Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White has received harsh criticism from critics, adding to the film’s already troubled journey to the big screen. Starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the movie has faced backlash over its use of CGI for the seven dwarves and the differing views of its lead actors on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Unfortunately, the reviews suggest the film hasn’t overcome its challenges.
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian didn’t hold back, calling it an “exhaustingly awful reboot” and criticizing Zegler and Gadot for delivering what he called “the dullest performances of their lives.” He described the film as feeling like “a very hard day’s work in the IP diamond mine.”
Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent was equally critical, arguing that Disney’s live-action remakes often fail their stars. She pointed out how Zegler, like Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid, faced racist abuse online while being given little support or a strong script to work with. Loughrey called the film “lazily conceived” and “visually repellent,” adding that Disney’s reliance on CGI animals and predictable formulas has become disheartening.
Jake Coyle of AP noted that while Zegler brings some life to her role, the rest of the cast, including the CGI elements, feel stiff and uninspired. He questioned why Disney struggles to recapture the magic of its animated classics, leaving audiences “glumly scorekeeping the updates” instead of being enchanted.
Overall, the reviews suggest Snow White is another misstep in Disney’s live-action remake trend, failing to win over critics or overcome its controversies.
