Reimagining a Fairy Tale
Film: Snow White
Cast: Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap
Directed by: Marc Webb
Duration: 1 hour 49 minutes
Rating: * * *
Disney’s reimagining of its 1937 animated classic sparked debate even before its release, mainly due to the casting choices and minor adjustments to the storyline. The casting was labeled as “colour-blind”, indicating that the ethnic backgrounds of the characters were not considered during the selection of actors. However, having seen the film, it can be said that it stands out as one of Disney’s more successful remakes, with Snow White fulfilling its promises—complete with the seven dwarfs, despite their absence from the title. This version of Snow White portrays a significantly more independent lead character than the one depicted by the Brothers Grimm in 1812.
Most of the iconic elements from the original film, such as the wicked queen and the poisoned apple, are present. Notably, there is no prince; instead, another character takes his place, and it is Snow White who initially comes to his rescue. When the Magic Mirror declares Snow White (played by Rachel Zegler, known for her role in Spielberg’s West Side Story) as the fairest of them all, the stepmother and Evil Queen (portrayed by Gal Gadot) becomes enraged, and consumed with fury. She decides to eliminate Snow White, assigning the Royal Huntsman the task of taking her into the forest to kill her. However, at the last moment, he has a change of heart and allows her to flee into the woods. Unsurprisingly, she encounters the seven dwarfs there, who are aware of her background—she is Princess Snow White, and her father, the king, was a noble man until the evil queen seized power.
The film features a variety of songs woven into numerous scenes, including both classic and contemporary tracks, allowing nearly every character, even the queen, to showcase their vocal talents. If you’re searching for the romantic element typically found in fairy tales, Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) replaces the role of the prince. He is portrayed as a rebellious figure who joins forces with fellow outcasts living in the forest to fight against the queen. And yes, his kiss brings her back to life once she eats the poison apple.
Given that this is a live-action film, you can expect stunning visuals, particularly in the realm of the seven dwarfs, which is especially captivating. Zegler delivers a remarkable performance here, exuding charm and confidence in her portrayal. Gal Gadot, as expected, enjoys her role as the queen, bringing a playful energy to the character.
All said and seen, Snow White is a satisfying outing for those curious about it.
Getting Jacked
Film: Locked
Cast: Bill Skarsgard, Anthony Hopkins
Directed by: David Yarovesky
Duration: 1 hour 37 minutes
Rating:* * 1 / 2
Following his portrayal of Count Orlok in Nosferatu, Bill Skarsgard takes on the role of a car thief who finds himself menaced by the vehicle’s owner in this remake of the Argentinian film 4×4 (2019). Directed by David Yarovesky, this ‘high concept’ film faces the challenge of maintaining suspense within a single location for the majority of its runtime, yet it manages to hold the audience’s attention for nearly 90 minutes.
Eddie (Bill Skarsgard), who operates a delivery van, is in need of extra cash and decides to steal an upscale SUV. Once inside the vehicle, he discovers that, unlike a well-known hotel, he can’t check out or leave it. He becomes trapped and receives a chilling phone call (voice that belongs to Anthony Hopkins) “You got in the wrong car, Eddie,” the caller ominously states. Identifying himself as William, the SUV’s owner, he intends to teach Eddie a lesson and a rather nasty one. However, Eddie is not exactly a professional car jacker; he is a father to a young girl and, upon realising the gravity of his predicament, feels remorse for not doing more for her.
William’s sinister character unfolds gradually through their phone exchanges. Despite the confined setting within the SUV, the tension is effectively heightened. He possesses complete remote control over the vehicle and even has the capability to incapacitate its occupant with a taser.
Slowly, the dialogue shifts towards societal issues, including inequality, crime, family dynamics, justice, and related themes. Hopkins makes a somewhat late entrance on screen, yet his voice resonates for a significantly longer period. When he does appear, he captivates the audience with his performance. However, at that moment, the screenplay is at a low, yet Hopkins still manages to enhance it.
The context surrounding the events does not reveal any surprises, nor does it aim to do so. But perhaps that is the point of the film. Stuff happens and sometimes you have to pay a huge price for it – who said life is fair?
