Disney’s Snow White, directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man), aims to bring a fresh perspective to the 1937 classic. While it succeeds in some areas—particularly the music, romance, and magical visuals—it struggles to balance nostalgia with reinvention fully. Here’s what worked and what didn’t.
What Worked
The music, for the most part
I was pleasantly surprised by most of the new songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman). Classics like Whistle While You Work and Heigh-Ho remain, while new additions such as Waiting on a Wish, Good Things Grow, and A Hand Meets a Hand bring a fresh emotional depth. Though not all of them match the timelessness of the original score, they add charm.
The romance
Despite early comments suggesting Snow White would step away from a love story, the film leans into its romantic elements—just with a twist. Jonathan, a charming thief played by Andrew Burnap (The Inheritance), replaces Prince Charming, and his chemistry with Snow White feels engaging. Burnap, a queer actor, brings warmth to the role, making their dynamic feel fresh yet still true to the fairy-tale spirit.
The magical moments
When the film embraces its fairy-tale roots, it shines. The lush, whimsical forest and the cozy, storybook cottage feel like something out of a dream, making these scenes some of my favorites.
Rachel Zegler’s singing
Regardless of the changes to Snow White’s character, Zegler’s vocal performance is impressive. Her voice carries both the classic and new songs beautifully, giving them the grandeur expected of a Disney princess.
The emotional impact
There were moments that genuinely moved me. Despite some of its shortcomings, Snow White delivers emotional beats that resonate.
What Didn’t Work
Gal Gadot’s villain—and her song
As much as I appreciate Gadot’s screen presence, her Evil Queen didn’t leave the impact I was hoping for. Her big villainous power ballad, All Is Fair, had potential but lacked the dramatic punch needed to make it truly memorable.
Overuse of CGI
The film attempts to create a magical world, but at times, the heavy reliance on CGI makes it feel more artificial than immersive. Some scenes would have benefited from practical effects to ground the visuals.
Lackluster costumes
While polished, the costumes lack the boldness and vibrancy seen in previous Disney live-action adaptations. They don’t quite capture the whimsy or grandeur expected in a fairy tale.
Changes to the fairytale that feel unclear
One of the most talked-about aspects of the film is its approach to Snow White’s seven companions. The seven companions still play a key role in the story, and I welcomed the shift in how they’re portrayed, without ever being called “dwarfs”. That said, I wasn’t entirely sold on their visual design—the use of CGI in these characters felt distracting at times and took away from the grounded, magical tone in other parts of the film.
Final Thoughts
Snow White is caught between honoring the classic and modernizing it, resulting in an uneven execution. While the music, romance, and magical visuals provide some standout moments, the film’s inconsistencies prevent it from fully capturing the magic of Disney’s first animated masterpiece. Still, for those open to a reimagined take, there is fairy-tale wonder to be found.
