In a recent wave of reviews for Disney's live-action remake of *Snow White*, British and American critics find themselves on opposing sides of the cinematic fence. While some U.S. reviewers have praised the film as "captivating," their British counterparts are less forgiving, labeling it "bad."

Diverging Opinions from Critics

British film critic Kevin Maher from *The Times* bluntly stated, “Believe the anti-hype, it's that bad.” However, David Rooney from *The Hollywood Reporter* countered, calling it "mostly captivating" and highlighting the film's vibrant storyline.

Production Challenges and Controversies

The film, which hits theaters globally this Friday, has faced numerous production challenges, including reported disagreements among cast members and ongoing discussions regarding the representation of the seven dwarfs—a critical aspect of the original tale. This heated debate intensified when actor Peter Dinklage, known for his role in *Game of Thrones*, criticized Disney's portrayal of the dwarfs, labeling it "backward." In response, Disney opted for CGI characters to sidestep reinforcing stereotypes, yet this decision sparked further concerns among actors with dwarfism, who fear losing job opportunities.

Mixed Reception on Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes reflects a mixed reception, providing the film with an initial critics' score of just 47%. Some reviewers, like Rooney, commend director Marc Webb for delivering a "vibrant retelling" and applauded the film's "smart script" by Erin Cressida Wilson, though he expressed skepticism about the CGI dwarfs, describing them as "a bit creepy" in comparison to the animated woodland creatures.

Supporters of the Film

Others, like Pete Hammond from *Deadline*, argue that the remake succeeds in breathing new life into the classic. He noted that the film features "dazzling dance numbers" and called Rachel Zegler's performance as Snow White "perfect." *Variety's* Owen Gleiberman went further, stating that the film is among the better live-action adaptations of Disney's animated classics; he praised the dwarfs for having "catchy personalities and comically expressive faces."

Disappointment in the U.K.

However, the U.K. critiques have largely leaned towards disappointment. Brian Viner from the *Daily Mail* rated it two stars, acknowledging its charms yet describing it as "painfully muddle-headed." The film's casting of Lina actress Zegler as Snow White—a character traditionally depicted as having "skin as white as snow"—has also sparked controversy, with critics questioning Disney's commitment to authentic representation.

Zegler's Modern Take on Snow White

Zegler has made headlines for her candid remarks about the original *Snow White*, stating that the 1937 version's portrayal of relationships was outdated and problematic. She emphasized the need for a more contemporary take, aligning the film with modern values surrounding female empowerment.

Behind-the-Scenes Tensions

Moreover, speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions between Zegler and her co-star Gal Gadot over the sensitive Israel-Palestine conflict has circulated. While Zegler has openly supported pro-Palestine narratives, Gadot's background as an Israeli soldier complicates public perception. Nonetheless, their public appearances together have sparked suggestions that the rumors may be overblown.

High Stakes for Disney

As the film gears up for release, responses remain polarized, with critics like Peter Bradshaw of *The Guardian* giving it a scathing one-star review, calling it an "exhaustingly awful reboot." He criticized the costume design as uninspired and remarked on the performances as lackluster.

With a production budget exceeding $270 million, the financial stakes for Disney are high, especially as tickets have only become available for pre-sale in the last two weeks, a delay unusual for a major release. As the anticipation builds, audiences are left wondering whether this new *Snow White* will capture hearts and box office dollars—or fall flat amid mounting expectations and criticism.

Stay tuned for what may become a defining moment in Disney’s live-action legacy!