While a negative buzz around an upcoming movie does not mean that it will in reality be a flop with audiences, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs lives up to its poor reputation.
In a way it’s worse, as it doesn’t have controversial ideas that would at least make it the subject of conversation and debate. It is in fact a bland and boring remake of the Disney classic that put the Mickey Mouse Studio on the map with the first feature length cartoon in 1937.
Rachel Zegler in the title role made quite a fuss pre-release when she explained that her Snow White wouldn’t be a passive character who is little more than a victim waiting for a prince to save her from a cruel world. Fine sentiments, but there is little “girl power” on show and Gal Gadot as the evil queen is nothing more than a caricature of countless other stepmothers and guardians from fairytales. The script lets them down, but it has to be said the two stars give it their best shot.
You could forgive this after all it’s a children’s story, if the production values were exciting and creative. They are not. The CGI and AI looks garish and cheap, and the dwarfs don’t look cute, they appear sinister and creepy. Surely there are enough real actors out there who could play these roles, which would have given the movie some depth and heft.
The makers try to fudge this by having the prince (oh, he’s a Robin Hood type now) having his own gang of real-life bandits, some of which have dwarfism. A pointless and cynical nod to political correctness.
To be fair there are some good songs, particularly I’m wishing/one song and there are a couple of funny set pieces, but they struggle to make up for the general tedium.
Fairytales are supposed to have dark elements, think Hansel and Gretel left alone to die in a forest or Cinderella bereft in the world apart from evil stepsisters and stepmother. These stories fascinate children because the underlying themes of a cruel and uncaring world are not only scary but help prepare them for the daunting reality of growing up.
Snow White misses this opportunity, instead it tries to please everyone and in the process the heart of the story gets lost amid supposedly progressive ideas and dodgy visuals.
I’m not a fan of constant re-makes of classic movies. Where have all the original storytellers gone?
However, if filmmakers have something new to say, think Wicked, then a genuine piece or art can be created form non original material.
Snow White tries to have it both ways. The new spin is half-hearted and the traditional story lacks conviction.
Don’t rush to see at the cinema, but if it appears on a streaming platform for free, wait for a rainy day and make up your own mind.