Movie Review: Snow White (2025)
Disney’s Snow White (2025) is one of the most controversial live-action remakes to date, and after watching it, I can see why. While I had no particular expectations going in—nor any strong feelings about Rachel Zegler’s involvement—I found the film to be a disappointing reimagining of the classic tale.
Visuals and Costuming
One of the biggest letdowns was Snow White’s styling. Her hairstyle did not suit her at all, making her look unflattering on screen. The iconic dress, meant to be a nod to the 1937 animated classic, appeared cheaply made and lacked the elegance of the original. Instead of elevating the character’s appearance, it had the opposite effect, making her look out of place rather than like a princess.
Casting and Character Portrayals
Rachel Zegler as Snow White simply did not fit the character. The name Snow White is meant to reflect the character’s fair complexion, red lips, and raven-black hair—key elements missing from this adaptation. While diversity in casting is welcome in new stories, changing fundamental aspects of a beloved character feels forced rather than natural.
The dwarves, a crucial part of the original story, were underwhelming. The heavy CGI made it hard to distinguish one from the other, and they lacked the charm that made them memorable. Dopey speaking was an odd choice, and his exaggerated ears made him look less endearing. Instead of feeling whimsical, the dwarves came across as generic CGI creatures with little personality.
The Evil Queen and Musical Numbers
Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen had potential, but her singing performance was awkward and cringeworthy. Rather than evoking the sinister elegance of the original villain, the scene felt unintentionally comedic, making it hard to take the character seriously.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Snow White (2025) feels like a misguided attempt at modernizing a timeless fairy tale. The visual choices, from Snow White’s styling to the overuse of CGI, detract from the film rather than enhance it. The movie lacks the magic, charm, and elegance that made the original an enduring classic. Instead of being an enchanting reimagining, it feels more like a parody, leaving me with secondhand embarrassment rather than wonder.
Unless you're curious about the controversy, this is one Disney remake that may not be worth your time.
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)