Dear, sweet Snow White, my favorite Disney princess, your new live-action film seems cursed by more than a poisoned apple.

It’s not that bad.

From the earliest looks and the earliest press, people seemed ready to hate this film. I truly hoped for a redemption arc, leading to an amazing movie. While that didn’t happen, it’s not terrible. I enjoyed parts of it. The children in the theater seemed to love it. I even overheard a fan call it the ‘best live-action remake ever.’ While I can’t agree with that, it was watchable and occasionally enjoyable.

Rachel Zegler shines, Gal Gadot…doesn’t

Rachel Zegler’s talent is undeniable. Her voice and acting are truly highlights of the film. In contrast, Gal Gadot became the only Disney villain I’ve ever disliked. This isn’t due to her character’s unearned evilness, but rather Gadot’s awkward performance.

The CGI is bad, but I think it’s on purpose

Speaking of people hating on the first looks, the dwarves in the film faced significant criticism from fans. The CGI animation was reminiscent of a more advanced-looking Polar Express, with some elements still venturing into the uncanny valley. While the animation took some getting used to, their musical sequence, a clear homage to the Mine Train ride at Walt Disney World, was enjoyable.

In contrast to the unsettling appearance of the dwarves, the animated animals were undeniably charming. Although their animation was intentionally stylized and artificial, the result was endearing rather than disturbing.

The music was fine

The standout song from the new Snow White is undoubtedly ‘Waiting on a Wish,’ fulfilling the essential ‘I Want’ song expected of any Disney Princess. While ‘Princess Problems’ isn’t as strong, it does offer some humor, particularly with a chorus seemingly designed for TikTok virality. Conversely, Gal Gadot’s ‘All Is Fair’ is notably weak. These are accompanied by ‘Good Things Grow,’ a villager song, and updated versions of ‘Heigh-Ho’ and ‘Whistle While You Work,’ which are adequate. Not a ‘Some Day My Prince Will Come’ in sight, however.

Live-Action Fatigue is Real

With Disney producing live-action adaptations at an accelerating pace, one questions the studio’s capacity for original storytelling. The inconsistent quality of these films naturally breeds apprehension regarding upcoming projects like Lilo & Stitch this year, Moana next year, and further down the line, Hercules and Robin Hood and…well…you get the picture. Let’s hope the lessons learned from Snow White serve as a cautionary tale for Disney’s future live-action adaptations.

Disney’s Snow White is in theaters now!

Snow White Trailer

From the producer and executive producer of “Wicked,” Marc Platt and Jared LeBoff, and director Marc Webb (“The Amazing Spider-Man”) comes “Disney’s Snow White,” a live-action musical reimagining of the studio’s classic 1937 film. The magical music adventure journeys back to the timeless story with Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”) in the title role and Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”) as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen.

The highly anticipated film Wicked is flying into theaters on November 22, 2024. Celebrate the untold story of the Witches of OZ with this downloadable activity kit!

Wicked Activity Kit

Download the Wicked Activity Kit HERE.

Raleigh/Durham Wicked Screening

Join me for a special screening of Wicked on Sunday, November 17 at 2:00 PM at AMC Southpoint 17 in Durham.

Download your admit 2 passes HERE, while supplies last. Code: ATBHOZ24

Wicked Trailer

About Wicked

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Cookie Tacos

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Quinoa Tacos

Korean Beef Tacos

Even More Taco Recipes

• Smoked Sausage Street Tacos
• Beef & Bean Baked Tacos
• Apple Pie Tacos
• Southwestern Taco Pasta
• Taco Potatoes
• Vegan Taco Filling
• Turkey Tacos
• Banana Split Tacos
• Tropical Fish Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
• Oven Roasted Cauliflower Taco Recipe
• Barbacoa Tacos
• Jerk Shrimp Tacos
• Pork Tacos with Salsa Verde
• Baked Fish Tacos with Peach Salsa and Creamy Coleslaw

When is National Taco Day?

National Taco Day is October 4th. (But any day is a great day for Tacos!)

Get ready for a wild ride as Deadpool and Wolverine join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

At its core, it’s fanservice.

Insert Captain America “I understood that reference” meme here. There are some obvious jokes and some deep cuts mixed into the film with the goal of getting as many cheers and gasps from the theater crowd as possible. Could they integrate into the story in more clever ways? Sometimes. Will you mind? Probably not.

There are cameos. A lot of them.

I heard the word gratuitous thrown around about how many people pop up in this film. I’m going to hazard a guess that if you are at a Deadpool movie you expect a decent amount of meta content and are probably cool with this. If you’re not? Then why the hell are you at a Deadpool movie?

You should probably go into this one having seen the previous movies.

Even though the film isn’t particularly profound regarding the story, it still needs a decent knowledge of the Marvel back catalog. I’m not talking about just Deadpool and X-Men and Logan. I’m talking at least a basic understanding of Fox’s Marvel catalog and most of the MCU films and television series.

It’s not for kids.

We’re at the third installment of the Deadpool series. This should be a known fact by now, but it bears repeating. Deadpool is rated R. It’s a hard R. Know what you’re getting into if you’re taking the kids – and prepare for some side-eye from your fellow theatergoers.

Stay through the credits.

It’s Marvel. I shouldn’t need to tell you this. But just like reminding you it’s not for kids, this always bears repeating. The credits themselves are filled with some pretty rad b-roll, but there’s also an extra scene that is worth the wait.

About Deadpool and Wolverine

Deadpool and Wolverine is in theaters now.

Get your movie streaming in now. Next week kicks off the Olympics and the new movie options are sparse.

Skywalkers: A Love Story

Stream on Netflix.

Find Me Falling

Stream on Netflix.

Young Woman and the Sea

Stream on Disney+.

Get ready for a week of a new week of entertainment! Check out these exciting new movies hitting your streaming screens this week.

Descendants: The Rise of Red

Stream on Disney+.

Divorce in the Black

Stream on Prime Video.

Faye

Stream on Max.