Disney’s latest live-action remake, “Snow White,” has not only stumbled at the box office but has also faced a barrage of criticism from both professional critics and audiences. With a disappointing $43 million domestic opening and a shockingly low IMDB rating of 1.7 out of 10, the film starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot has become a cautionary tale for Hollywood remakes. This article delves into the reasons behind this colossal misfire and examines the public’s reaction to what was supposed to be a magical reimagining of a beloved classic.
“Believe it or not, it’s that bad” – Kevin Maher, The Times
Critics have not minced words when describing the film. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian labeled it an “exhaustingly awful reboot,” while Kevin Maher from The Times didn’t hold back, stating, “Believe it or not, it’s that bad.” These scathing reviews set the tone for the film’s reception, with many professional critics echoing similar sentiments.
The harsh criticism isn’t limited to professional reviewers. IMDB users have been equally unforgiving, with one writing:
“This movie makes no sense. It is a complete disaster. Disney did not work on the script, horrible actor selection and extremely poor CGI. This movie has everything wrong with modern cinema.”
This comment encapsulates the general sentiment among viewers, highlighting issues with the script, casting, and visual effects – all crucial elements in a big-budget fantasy film.
“Strips away its charm and replaces it with a lifeless, forgettable adaptation”
One of the most common criticisms leveled at the film is its departure from the charm and magic of the original animated classic. Many reviewers feel that in an attempt to modernize the tale, the filmmakers have lost the essence of what made Snow White special. User reviews on IMDB paint a grim picture:
“A soulless cash grab that completely misses the point of the original story. It’s as if they took everything that made Snow White special and threw it out the window.”
“This remake is an insult to the classic. It’s devoid of magic, charm, and any semblance of storytelling. How Disney managed to mess this up is beyond me.”
These comments reflect a growing frustration among audiences with Disney’s strategy of remaking animated classics. While some previous remakes have found success, “Snow White” seems to have crossed a line for many fans, who feel the studio has prioritized profit over preserving the spirit of the original.
“The lead actress has no charisma and is not talented to work on classics like Snow White”
The performances in the film, particularly those of the lead actors, have come under intense scrutiny. Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White has been described as “stiff and uninspired” by multiple reviewers. One IMDB user stated:
“Rachel Zegler’s performance is wooden and lacks any of the warmth or innocence that made Snow White lovable. It’s like watching a high school play, but with a $250 million budget.”
This criticism is particularly damaging for a character as iconic as Snow White, whose innocence and charm are central to the story. The failure to capture these essential qualities has left many viewers disappointed.
Surprisingly, even Gal Gadot’s performance as the Evil Queen, which was expected to be a highlight, has been criticized:
“Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen is a miscast disaster. She lacks the gravitas and menace needed for the role. Her performance is more suited for a parody than a serious adaptation.”
The underwhelming performances from both lead actresses have significantly contributed to the film’s poor reception, leaving audiences feeling disconnected from characters they once adored.
“The CGI was horrible, and that’s unforgivable with this budget”
In an era where visual effects can make or break a fantasy film, “Snow White” has surprisingly fallen short despite its massive budget. The CGI, which should have been a strong point for a Disney production, has instead become another target for criticism. Users on IMDB didn’t hold back:
“The CGI looks like it’s from a decade ago. How can a Disney film in 2025 have worse effects than indie productions? It’s embarrassing.”
“The dwarves look like they’re from a cheap mobile game. It’s distracting and takes you out of the movie completely.”
These comments highlight a significant issue for a studio known for its cutting-edge visual effects. The subpar CGI not only affects the film’s aesthetic appeal but also impacts the audience’s ability to immerse themselves in the fairy tale world.
“Disney needs to change its leadership and remember who the core audience is”
As “Snow White” continues to struggle both critically and commercially, it raises serious questions about Disney’s strategy of remaking classic animated films. Many reviewers are calling for a change in approach:
“This is a wake-up call for Disney. They can’t keep churning out soulless remakes and expect us to lap it up. It’s time for original stories and real creativity.”
“If the parents don’t like it, then the kids won’t see it either. Disney has forgotten the magic that made their classics timeless. This Snow White is anything but the fairest of them all.”
These sentiments reflect a growing fatigue with remakes and a desire for fresh, original content that captures the magic of Disney’s best work. The failure of “Snow White” may signal a turning point in how the studio approaches its classic properties.
A Lesson for the Future of Remakes
With its current trajectory, “Snow White” may serve as a cautionary tale for future remakes, not just for Disney but for the industry as a whole. As one final IMDB user succinctly put it:
“A complete waste of time and money. Disney, please stop ruining our childhood memories.”
This comment encapsulates the frustration felt by many long-time Disney fans who feel the studio is trading on nostalgia without understanding what made the originals special.
As the film industry watches closely, it remains to be seen how Disney will respond to this high-profile misfire. The poor reception of “Snow White” could potentially influence the studio’s future remake plans and perhaps encourage a return to more original storytelling.
One thing is clear: audiences are hungry for originality, magic, and the kind of storytelling that made Disney a household name. As this Snow White remake demonstrates, even the most beloved classics can falter if not handled with care and respect for the source material. The challenge for Disney now is to rediscover the magic that seems to have been left behind in the enchanted forest, and to prove to audiences that they can still create films that captivate and inspire as their classics once did.