Some of the best live-action adaptations of animated movies are not complete copies of the original. They make bold decisions and add to the story. I’ll be honest, I have only liked a couple of Disney’s live-action remakes, and that’s mainly because they have felt dull and soulless compared to the original films. I didn’t enjoy Snow White as much as I would have liked, but I appreciate that it took some risks that the other live adaptations seemed afraid to take.
Snow White has good and bad attributes, but this Disney film does one particular thing really well, and I need to talk about it.
Warning: Snow White spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.
Gal Gadot). Disney princes are usually a vital part of the story. They often showcase a rags-to-riches tale where the handsome prince comes and marries a common girl to elevate her to princess status. There are a few Disney fairytales that don’t quite fit this pattern.
Now the live-action Snow White joins that short list. I think one of Snow White’s strengths is that it is so different from the animated version. It made the film a tiny bit unpredictable. Jonathan and Snow’s romance is completely new. Therefore, I was able to watch in wonder at what could happen. Additionally, many of my favorite romance movies, especially some of the best romantic comedies, involve a little tension and banter between the romantic leads.
Jonathan and Snow have this at the start of their relationship. Also, I am not familiar with Andrew Burnap’s previous work before he joined the Snow White cast, so I really enjoyed this film as my introduction to the actor. Rachel Zegler and he have enchanting chemistry in Snow White.
Once Upon a Time because his presence changes the feel of Snow White’s story.
It’s not going by the normal fairytale rules. In most fairytales, the princess wouldn’t fall for a bandit. Many Disney live-action or animated films center on female characters, and the princes are almost only added to the story to elevate the princesses. They’re just a sign of this character being special enough to attract a prince. Then she gets to live happily ever after with him.
Jonathan, not being a prince, proves that a princess or woman doesn’t need a stereotypical prince to achieve happiness. She can have one if she wants, but she can also have the rebel bandit or no one.
that the backlash about Rachel Zegler’s casting is unnecessary because the film allows her to showcase her lovely voice. She’s the perfect choice to lead this musical. Additionally, her voice pairs well with Andrew Burnap for Jonathan and Snow’s duets.
Like many modern musicals, Snow White has some songs that work well and others that are duds. “Princess Problems” is such a fun and flirty ditty. It showcases their contrasting personalities but also their attraction to each other. It’s a cute song that offers a charming duet.
“A Hand Meets A Hand” is their big declaration of love song. It shows the harmonies well and is another sweet romantic song. I could watch another movie of just Zegler and Burnap singing to one another. Their voices blend well.
Snow White is one of the Disney+ movies you should check out this week. The changes in this film make me curious about what other positive changes I will see in other upcoming Disney movies.
Stream Snow White on Disney+.