Review: Snow White
Disney’s live action “Snow White” starring Rachel Zegler debuted in theaters on March 21. Being the original Disney princess and carrying a legacy, this movie could and would create a rise of commentary no matter what direction the film takes.
Between all adaptations and recreations there are almost always pieces and potholes missing, causing an uproar from fans. From characters to important turns of events to miniscule details, every moment has an effect on the storyline.
The classic story of trust clouding betrayal and discovery of true friendship is displayed throughout the journey of the young princess Snow White.
The evil of the film is embodied by Snow White’s stepmom, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot). Her jealousy of failing to be “the fairest in the land,” fuels her hatred towards not only herself but all that surrounds her.
One character that entices and persuades this storyline of hatred between the two family members is the magic mirror who the Queen repetitively retrieves to to quench her worries.
This theme of jealousy continues throughout both animated and live action versions, because it’s important to the plot and character development. Without jealousy the Queen would have never have made an effort to assassinate Snow White.
Being the first Disney princess, the updated “Snow White” creates the possibility for backlash from original fans. For the outcome of this movie, sadly most viewers were unimpressed because of CGI and lack of a fresh angle.
With Zeglers previous work on the new “Hunger Games” movie, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” the audience was ready for magic. While Zegler’s voice added a beautiful musical element, the audience felt as if more could be done.
However, the adaptation of characters’ relationships provided a deeper meaning to the connections that audiences did appreciate. One example of this is the supplementary detail of Snow White and the Queen’s backstory, detailing the reasons for the queen’s hatred and need for perfection. Her hidden plans for overthrowing the kingdom by using manipulation tactics to force Snow White away would be one of the outcomes leading to her character’s demise.
The Queen utilizes the loyal civilians, including the huntsman, to complete her wishes. However, she realizes only she can carry out and finish her requests. Once being supposedly disposed of by the huntsman, Snow White is forced to take refuge in the woods.
Once being pushed to the woods, Snow White’s relationship with the dwarfs begins, amplified by their shared powers and bonds over resentment towards the Queen. Their friendship stabilized the beginning of a physical rebelion for the kingdom.
Though this movie displayed additional plot twists, there was a lack of expanding past the boundaries provided by the animated version. The work put into the production is undoubtedly thorough, but the product still disappointed many of the excited individuals watching eagerly in the theaters.
