I must have gotten true love’s kiss because this is truly the film that just never dies, huh?
It seems clear that the live-action version of “Snow White” was destined to struggle from the outset. In recent years, many Disney live-action films have faced criticism from fans and underperformed at the box office. Additionally, remarks made by the principal cast members, as well as external factors and the first trailer for “Snow White,” suggest that it was likely to be a flop in some capacity.
And bomb it did, my goodness.
Regardless of the choice, the movie ultimately became available for streaming on Disney+. I chose to rewatch it because I wanted to confirm if it was as poor as I thought it was – and surprisingly, there’s a particular scene in the film that still makes me chuckle due to its resemblance to an older movie that caught me off guard. Let’s delve into it.
The Movie Is…Fine
Look, the movie is…fine.
I don’t agree with the common perception that Snow White is very poorly done. In fact, I believe Rachel Zegler, who has shown exceptional talent in films like West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, does a commendable job as Snow White. Her vocal skills are impressive, and she manages to convey some of the character’s essence effectively.
As a film enthusiast, I must confess that, although the initial part of the movie was promising, it didn’t resonate with me as an adaptation of the beloved Disney animated classics. Instead, it seemed to be transformed and tailored to conform to what appears to be a contemporary perspective. However, from my point of view, the audience yearned for the original tale. Frankly, discussing the Evil Queen is challenging because, well… Gal Gadot, in my opinion, wasn’t the ideal choice for that role.
Regardless, I understand why children find the live-action version of Snow White appealing, but if you’re seeking entertainment for a Saturday afternoon, it’s just as suitable, though not my personal favorite. However, there is a part of the movie that evoked memories of classic films, particularly during the Christmas season.
But I Have To Admit, The Dwarves Reminded Me Of The Polar Express
Ya’ll, these dwarves are creepy as heck.
I was eager to see if the movie had enough time to make adjustments, especially regarding the unusual-looking dwarves in the initial trailer of Snow White. I hoped they would listen to fan feedback and significantly revamp the designs, similar to how Sonic’s appearance was overhauled in the Sonic the Hedgehog films.
But, ah…they didn’t. They kept the dwarves the way they were, and why????
Upon a glance, my initial thought was that those tiny, eerie digital creatures remind me of the children from The Polar Express, and to be completely transparent, that comparison has been made. I stand by my statement – there’s definitely something unsettling about this resemblance!
There’s something unsettling about their gaze or mannerisms that seems out of place to me. Though I acknowledge the concerns raised by Peter Dinklage regarding the casting of little people as dwarves due to typecasting and potential offense, if the outcome is this, I’m left questioning it. I get where he’s coming from, but we should strive for more excellence in representation.
It’s Shocking How CGI Has Somehow Evolved Backwards
It seems like you’re about to remind me of something, and that something is: “Alex, you’ve mentioned earlier that ‘The Polar Express’ is one of your top-favorite animated Christmas films, isn’t it?
Indeed, you’re spot on! I’ve always had a soft spot for “The Polar Express.” But let me clarify, just because it holds a special place in my heart from my younger days, doesn’t mean I’d want a 2025 film to mimic the style of a 2004 production. As a movie buff, I’d be hoping for something fresh and innovative, while still capturing the magic of the original story.
Over the past decade and a half, animation has experienced substantial transformations. Similarly, the landscape for live-action remakes has significantly evolved due to an influx of such adaptations. I’ve observed more captivating representations when it comes to creating and animating creatures and animals.
Indeed, these characters are miniature humans, but they belong to the same sphere of attempting to breathe life into digital creations since they are entirely computer-generated imagery (CGI) based. To illustrate, consider Mufasa from The Lion King, whose animatronic animals were exceptionally realistic for an animated film. They appeared authentic and captivated audiences on the big screen.
Although dwarves are not animals, it is still feasible to replicate them. However, we find ourselves with animated characters that seem less human-like and more akin to peculiar beings requiring extensive post-production work.
Is This Just The New Standard For Creatures In Disney Live-Action Movies?
It seems disappointing to express, but it appears that Disney might be trending towards live-action remakes featuring animals and human characters that may not be exceptional, and this is not limited to the remake of Snow White.
I’ll be straight with you: The live-action version of Lilo & Stitch was terrific, especially when it came to Stitch. He seemed authentic, entertaining, and adorable. It appeared a great deal of care had gone into his creation. Unfortunately, many other films don’t have the same impact. Dwarves and Pinocchio from the live-action reboot are instances that come to mind.
To be honest, there are more topics, but let’s not delve into every single one as it might keep us occupied for the whole night.
It seems like Disney is transitioning towards a different approach, one where they prioritize less than before. Although some live-action projects have been postponed, new ones are still being produced, such as the upcoming live-action Moana, giving them ample opportunity to perfect those animated characters.
Despite this, I’m quite excited to learn other people’s opinions once they watch this movie on Disney+. It’s possible I’m the only one who feels this way, but I firmly believe that these dwarves could be as easily transported as if you were to put them on a train headed for the North Pole. Now it remains to be seen how Santa Claus would interact with the Seven Dwarves in some fashion.
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2025-06-13 00:08