The much-anticipated live-action remake of Disney’s classic “Snow White” has finally graced our screens, and let’s just say the reviews are as mixed as the witch’s potion ingredients. If you’ve been wondering whether to spend your hard-earned money on yet another Disney remake, here’s what critics and audiences are saying about this fairest-of-them-all adaptation.
The Good: Zegler Shines Amidst the Forest
Rachel Zegler’s performance stands out as the film’s saving grace. Critics widely praise her singing abilities and charismatic portrayal of a more assertive Snow White. Unlike the original’s “someday my prince will come” damsel, this Snow White has agency and aspirations beyond royal matrimony—a refreshing update that most reviewers appreciated, even when criticizing other elements of the film.
The attempt to modernize the storyline has gained some positive attention, with this version giving our heroine more control over her own destiny. As one viewer put it, “At least Snow White saves herself now, even if the movie couldn’t be saved.”
The Bad: Dwarfed by Expectations
The CGI dwarfs have become the poison apple of this production. Described as awkward, unnatural, and distracting, these digital creations pulled many viewers out of the fairy tale faster than you can say “Hi-Ho.” The enchanted forest setting fares no better, with visuals that critics describe as artificial and surprisingly lackluster for a Disney blockbuster.
Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen has divided opinion faster than a magic mirror. Some found her entertainingly campy, while others felt her performance lacked the menacing presence needed to make audiences genuinely fear for Snow White. “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the flattest villain of them all?” seems to be the unfortunate consensus among harsher critics.
The Forgettable: Songs That Won’t Echo Through the Forest
Despite bringing on acclaimed songwriters Pasek and Paul, the new musical additions fail to achieve the iconic status of the original’s “Heigh-Ho” or “Whistle While You Work.” Most reviewers noted that while competently performed, the songs evaporate from memory faster than the witch’s disguise at midnight. For a Disney musical, this might be the most damning criticism of all.
The Direction: Lost in the Woods
Director Marc Webb seems to have gotten lost somewhere between paying homage to the classic and creating something fresh. The film’s pacing and tone received consistent criticism, with many noting it felt more like a corporate checkbox exercise than a passionate retelling. The decision to modify key elements of the original story (including a reduced role for the prince) left many wondering if Disney was more interested in appeasing modern sensibilities than crafting a coherent narrative.
The Verdict: Neither the Fairest Nor the Foulest
With a disappointing 46% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Snow White” (2025) joins the growing list of Disney live-action remakes that fail to recapture the magic of their animated predecessors. While not the disaster some predicted, it certainly isn’t breaking any spells at the box office either.
If you’re a die-hard Disney fan or have little ones eager to see a new princess adventure, the film might offer enough enchantment for an afternoon’s entertainment. For everyone else, you might be better off whistling while you work through Disney’s back catalog instead.
As one particularly pointed review summarized: “Disney asked its magic mirror who’s the fairest of them all, and the mirror replied, ‘Definitely not this remake.'”
Have you seen Snow White (2025)? What did you think about Disney’s latest live-action adaptation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!