Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of Snow White has recently hit theaters, but the response from both critics and audiences has been less than favorable. This new iteration aims to reinterpret the classic tale as seen in Disney’s original 1937 animated film. Notably, Snow White is given a revised backstory, along with a fresh take on the dwarfs. The narrative has shifted, too, positioning Snow White as a more proactive character in her quest to defeat her malevolent stepmother, culminating in an ending that strays from traditional expectations.
These modifications may align the story more closely with contemporary values and diverse audiences, yet they have drawn significant backlash from some viewers. In addition to the story’s alterations, various controversies surrounding the film have emerged. These issues have hindered not only its box office performance but have also contributed to a concerning IMDb rating, heavily affected by user review bombing.
Examining the Controversy Surrounding Snow White & Its Review Bombing on IMDb
Dissecting the Unfair Reviews Amid Genuine Flaws
Disney’s foray into live-action adaptations has not been without difficulties, and Snow White exemplifies this challenge, especially considering its historical significance within Disney lore. Attempting to craft a more inclusive narrative that resonates with modern sensibilities has inevitably alienated some fans of the original film, particularly in light of casting decisions like that of Rachel Zegler, who portrays Snow White.
Despite Zegler’s talent, her casting has stirred dissent among a vocal subset of fans critiquing the choice of a Latina actress for the role. In her defense, Zegler has emphasized the universal resonance of Snow White’s story and the importance of diverse representation in Hollywood. She further advocates that the new adaptation transforms Snow White into a more empowered character focused on leadership.
Many negative reviews target Zegler and the perceived “wokeness” of the film’s modern adjustments. Furthermore, while a segment of audience members embraces Zegler’s participation and the film’s contemporary themes, a minority has exercised their dissatisfaction via aggressive reviews on IMDb, assigning it a dismal score of 1.5 out of 10. Comments also pointed out shortcomings such as subpar computer-generated imagery (CGI) for the dwarfs and a robotic performance from Gal Gadot, raising questions about whether some of these critiques stem from good faith.
Snow White’s IMDb Rating: Not the Lowest in History
Examining Other Films Rated Lower
As it stands, Snow White has amassed nearly 300,000 ratings on IMDb, with over 90% granting it the lowest score of 1 out of 10. Even IMDb has acknowledged unusual patterns in rating behavior likely indicative of review bombing. However, it’s crucial to highlight that this film is not the lowest-ranked on IMDb; Snopes has identified lower-rated films, such as *Foodfight!* and *Saving Christmas*.
While Snow White’s reviewed score is indeed low, it stands apart from other poor ratings, which predominantly include lesser-known indie films or parodies that lack sufficient audience traction to evoke widespread reactions. Therefore, the inclusion of Snow White in this unfavorable ranking does not accurately reflect its overall merit compared to the significantly lesser productions on the platform.
Comparative Analysis of Snow White’s Scores Across Platforms
The alarming IMDb score for Snow White creates a misleading impression of the film’s reception. Although it may not become one of Disney’s most financially rewarding adaptations, scores from other review platforms reveal a more favorable audience reception. In stark contrast to its IMDb rating of 1.5, Rotten Tomatoes shows a 74% audience approval rating and a 40% critics’ score, underscoring a disparity in audience perception compared to critics.
| Review Site | Snow White Rating |
|---|---|
| IMDb | 1.5/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 40% Critics, 74% Audiences |
| Metacritic | 51% |
| CinemaScore | B+ |
Beyond the more favorable Rotten Tomatoes ratings, Snow White also has gained traction on Metacritic and CinemaScore where audience sentiment appears more balanced. Excluding the negative IMDb ratings, the general consensus is that audiences are neither overwhelmingly impressed nor antagonistically opposed to the film. This suggests the film warrants a more opportunity for appreciation than has been afforded thus far.
Impact of Controversy and Backlash on Box Office Performance
Dismal Prospects for Box Office Recovery
The ongoing controversies surrounding this adaptation have left a significant mark on its box office performance. Despite a subset of viewers who enjoyed the film, this group remains too small to counterbalance the negativity dominating discussions about the movie. During its opening weekend, Snow White fell short of modest financial expectations, earning only $87.3 million globally.
The film’s box office plummet worsened in its second weekend, showcasing an alarming decline of 66.4%, far exceeding typical figures for Disney’s recent live-action adaptations. For instance, the latest adaptation, *Mufasa: The Lion King,* experienced an opposite trend, enjoying a 3.94% increase in its follow-up weekend. Typically, a sequel drop would hover around the 45-50% range, making Snow White‘s decline particularly stark.
Several factors aside from controversies may have contributed to the film’s struggles. Critics have pointed out inconsistent performances and unconvincing CGI for the dwarfs, sentiments echoed by numerous IMDb users. Moreover, the overall mixed reception to Disney’s recent live-action endeavors casts a shadow on Snow White, demonstrating that while valid criticism exists, the film’s IMDb score does not accurately reflect its overall artistic merit.
Citations: IMDb, Snopes, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, CinemaScore