By Rosa Parra

Live-action Disney Movie is Anchored by Ziegler’s Star Power Performance.

Snow White is the first Disney princess, so it’s no wonder that this character’s live-action adaptation has taken longer to arrive. However, the time has finally come, and the film is set to be released. “Snow White” is directed by Marc Webb and stars Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, and Andrew Burnap. This adaptation is based on the animated film released in 1937.

The animated movie will forever hold its legendary status as the first feature-length animated film. It paved the way for all the movies that followed and will always be regarded as one of the most influential films ever made. This live-action interpretation does not aim to replace the 1937 movie; rather, it pays homage to it while adding depth and context to certain characters and circumstances. Both films are products of their respective times, created 88 years apart.

Let’s begin with the performances. Rachel Zegler is an absolute star! She perfectly embodies Snow White with her delicate, sweet, angelic interpretation, balanced with just the right amount of toughness. Her musical numbers are vibrant, entertaining, and moving. Gal Gadot plays the Evil Queen and does a commendable job. She’s stunning, though at times her look can be distracting. There are moments when her villainous traits shine through perfectly, but there was a musical number that left me conflicted. While her vocals were surprisingly good, her dancing and attempts to convey evil fell short.

The portrayal of the dwarves was a delightful surprise. They were given more screen time, and some of the most touching moments involved them, especially Dopey. I absolutely loved their inclusion! Andrew Burnap, who played Jonathan (the love interest), was very charming and had some fantastic comedic moments.

The musical numbers are completely enchanting, vibrant, and spellbinding. The visuals present an array of colors, with the musical performances being lively and bright. However, the queen’s castle appeared muddled and desaturated. Although the CGI was initially off-putting, particularly with the locations and dwarves, the overall effort was strong enough to overlook most of it. The animals were absolutely adorable, and it’s hard not to smile whenever one appears on-screen.

The love story was executed very well. While there are some changes from the original movie, they were thoughtfully made and applied successfully. Jonathan isn’t portrayed as a prince, and Snow White isn’t a damsel in distress. Instead, their love develops through their interactions, culminating in a beautiful duet. Their chemistry is palpable. I find it more meaningful for a woman to fall in love with a man because she appreciates his thoughtfulness, caring nature, and great personality, rather than simply for what he can provide.

Snow White is portrayed as independent and ambitious, but she does not exhibit selfishness or annoyance. Instead, her virtues include kindness, bravery, and mindfulness. In this story, evil is defeated through acts of kindness and helping others. It serves as a reminder that greed, envy, and malice only corrupt the soul.

Overall, “Snow White” is a magical, enchanting, and vibrant live-action Disney adaptation. Anchored by Ziegler’s star power performance, this story conveys a much-needed message: kindness is a lost virtue that the world desperately needs.

Rating: 9 out of 10.