The Live-Action “Snow White” Reviews Are In

After so much controversy and discourse surrounding the film, Disney’s live-action “Snow White” is about to hit cinemas and now the reviews have gone online.

With 82 reviews counted, the film sits at a 49% (5.5/10) on Rotten Tomatoes with the score on par with Tim Burton’s “Dumbo” and “Alice in Wonderland” live-action features, and a step down from the 57% (5.8/10) of “Mufasa: The Lion King”.

Praise is there for the musical numbers and Zegler’s performance, but the writing, VFX and more weren’t so well received. On Metacritic it’s a similar story with a 47/100 score.

The 109-minute film reportedly clocks in with a budget which was at least $270 million. Here’s a sampling of the reviews thus far:

“If that sounds like the standard female-empowerment template that’s almost obligatory in contemporary fairy-tale retreads, it more or less is. But the incandescent Zegler sells it with conviction and heart.” – David Rooney, THR

“A fascinating case study in today’s impossible contradictions — a magic mirror reflecting the tensions of the current times.” – Amy Nicholson, The LA Times

“A disorienting take on a film whose success relied as much on its elegance as its beauty, and yet, thanks to sunny songstress Rachel Zegler, there is a talented throughline still obvious amidst the mess.” – Jacob Oller, AV Club

“At the end of the day, the best parts of Snow White are the parts that feel genuinely real and authentic. If only there were more of those, and less screen time spent dancing in the realm of mind-breaking absurdity.” – Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence

“It doesn’t always fit seamlessly together, but it’s far more entertaining than that might lead on. This is a spirited and sweet spin on classic material that deserves kudos for its balance of necessary updates and affection for the old ways.” – Kate Erbland, Indiewire

“There’s nothing wrong with Disney’s live-action remake of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ that couldn’t be fixed by making it 26 minutes shorter, 88 years ago and in hand-drawn animation.” – William Bibbiani, The Wrap

“Those otherwise estimable performers Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot are now forced to go through the motions, and they give the dullest performances of their lives.” – Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

“Wilson’s drab screenplay never delivers the witty quips or icy menace that would make this Evil Queen a fearsome foe; yet another example of the film’s wasted potential.” – Tim Grierson, Screen

“It represents a new low for cultural desecration and for a venerable 102-year-old entertainment company that now looks at its source material with a pinched nose of disgust.” – Kevin Maher, The Times

“This Snow White may not be the worst live-action adaptation of an animated touchstone, though it’s a strong contender for its blandest. The movie does earn points as a bedtime story, however, because it will definitely put you to sleep.” – David Fear, Rolling Stone

The Marc Webb-directed live-action reimagining of “Snow White” opens in cinemas on March 21st.

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