Disney’s relentless quest to modernize its beloved classics has brought us yet another live-action remake—Snow White. And if you’re wondering whether it’s the fairest of them all, well, let’s just say that mirror is probably cracking under the pressure.

With a filmography of live-action retellings that have ranged from surprisingly delightful (Cinderella and Pete’s Dragon) to wildly unnecessary (The Lion King, Mulan), Disney’s Snow White had a tall order: breathe fresh life into the classic that started it all. But instead of a dazzling reimagining, what we get is a film that stumbles between nostalgia and forced modernization, never quite landing on solid ground.

A Classic Reimagined—or Watered Down?

To be fair, it was never going to be easy adapting a nearly 90-year-old animated film for modern audiences. The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a product of its time, filled with classic Disney charm but also elements that don’t exactly align with contemporary values. So naturally, this new Snow White tries to update the story: Snow White (Rachel Zegler) isn’t just waiting for a prince—she’s an heir to the throne who has to reclaim her destiny. Instead of Prince Charming, we get Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), a roguish bandit who encourages Snow White to take charge of her own fate.

Sounds promising, right? Unfortunately, in its effort to modernize, the film struggles to find its own identity. The story feels like a patchwork of ideas, caught between the simplicity of the original fairy tale and a more complex, contemporary narrative.

Rachel Zegler Shines, But Can’t Save It All

One thing that does work in the film’s favor is Rachel Zegler. Whether you loved or hated the casting controversy, there’s no denying that Zegler is immensely talented. Her Snow White is charming, independent, and vocally impressive. Whenever she sings, the film gains a little bit of magic—but sadly, even her best efforts can’t fully elevate a script that feels hesitant about what it wants to be.

Meanwhile, Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen is… interesting. She certainly looks the part, and her costumes (designed by Sandy Powell) are stunning. But despite her best attempts at menace, the Queen feels underdeveloped.

She’s evil, sure, but she lacks the depth and intrigue that could have made her truly unforgettable.

And let’s be real—how are we supposed to believe that she’s jealous of Snow White’s beauty? It’s Gal Gadot. No disrespect to Zegler, but come on.

The CGI Dwarfs Debate: A Magical Misfire?

Then, there’s the seven dwarfs—or rather, the CGI-generated companions that replace them. Disney’s decision to go this route was clearly meant to sidestep controversy, but the result is an uncanny, awkward mess.

The original dwarfs, with their distinct personalities, were a huge part of the charm of the 1937 film. Here, they feel lifeless and forgettable, as if someone slapped a Pixar-lite filter over them and hoped for the best.

Music, Visuals, and The Magic That’s Missing

Musically, the film boasts new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (of The Greatest Showman fame), but they struggle to integrate seamlessly with the classic tunes like Heigh Ho and Whistle While You Work. While Waiting on a Wish is a standout track, most of the new additions feel like they’re trying too hard to be inspirational rather than organic.

Visually, Snow White does deliver on the spectacle—thanks to cinematographer Mandy Walker, the film has moments that are downright stunning. The production design is lush and fairy-tale-esque, but at times, it feels like a distraction from the film’s lack of emotional depth.

Final Verdict: A Snow White That Stumbles More Than It Soars

Disney’s Snow White isn’t a complete disaster, but it’s also not the groundbreaking reimagining it wants to be. It’s caught in an awkward limbo—trying to honor the original while desperately attempting to modernize it—and as a result, it never fully captures the magic of either approach. Rachel Zegler is wonderful, and the film certainly has its moments, but in the grand scheme of Disney remakes, this one feels like yet another forgettable attempt to cash in on nostalgia.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Would I recommend it? If you’re a die-hard Disney fan, sure—go in with tempered expectations. But if you were hoping for a Snow White that truly reinvents the fairy tale in a meaningful way, you might be better off asking the mirror what else is on Netflix.