Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Snow White And What's Making Us Happy"

Release Date: March 21, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Stephen Thompson, Aisha Harris, Candice Lim, and guest Shar Josel delve into the latest live-action reimagining of Disney's classic animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Released on March 21, 2025, the episode provides an in-depth discussion of the film's reception, thematic elements, and its place within the broader trend of Disney's live-action remakes.

Overview of the New Snow White Movie

Stephen Thompson opens the conversation by setting the stage for the discussion:

Stephen Thompson [01:19]: "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney's first fully animated feature film all the way back in 1937. Now it's getting a high-tech reimagining, complete with new songs set, seven CGI-rendered dwarfs, and live-action leads. Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White while Gal Gadot plays the evil queen with a magic mirror and terrible intentions."

The new adaptation situates itself between animation and photorealism, introducing contemporary elements such as CGI dwarfs and a modern soundtrack, while retaining the core narrative of the original fairy tale.

Hosts' Reviews and Opinions

Candice Lim's Perspective

Candice Lim shares her initial skepticism but ultimately finds comfort and charm in the film:

Candice Lim [03:11]: "I walked in with really low expectations for this movie. I'm sorry, guys, but I found this movie quite comforting and charming."

She appreciates the lighter tone compared to the 1937 version, highlighting Rachel Zegler's portrayal of Snow White as a strong character reminiscent of Mandy Moore's vocal style in Tangled. Candice also notes the addition of backstory for Snow White, providing more depth to her character.

Shar Josel's Insights

Shar Josel expresses a mixed reaction, enjoying certain aspects while criticizing others:

Shar Josel [04:13]: "I was on the fence about this film. I thought Rachel did a great job as Snow White... Dopey was the star of this film. He really tugged at my heartstrings."

However, Shar critiques the film's visual quality, describing it as feeling "cheap" with subpar lighting and CGI effects that fall into the uncanny valley. She also voices disappointment in Gal Gadot's portrayal of the Evil Queen, feeling that the character remains one-dimensional.

Aisha Harris's Analysis

Aisha Harris offers a nuanced critique, focusing on production design and musical choices:

Aisha Harris [06:03]: "The scene where Snow White vanishes into the forest echoed the original animation but introduced a cool, elevated aesthetic with red neon lights, giving it a 'Hot Topic' vibe."

She criticizes the new songs composed by Pasek and Paul for their contemporary musical theater feel, which she feels doesn't blend well with the classic Disney tunes. Aisha also discusses the film's missed opportunities in character development and thematic depth, particularly regarding the portrayal of beauty and the Evil Queen's motivations.

Stephen Thompson's Commentary

Stephen Thompson highlights the technical aspects and overall feel of the remake:

Stephen Thompson [08:03]: "Interestingly, the strongest element of this film were the new songs."

He points out the dissonance between the CGI dwarfs and live-action leads, making the visual experience distracting. Stephen also reflects on the film's adherence to the original plot without substantial character development or emotional depth, describing it as a technically proficient yet heartless remake.

Discussion on Themes and Adaptation Choices

The panel delves into the thematic elements of the film, particularly the portrayal of beauty and envy:

Aisha Harris [16:00]: "It would have been really interesting to see them really lean into that and do something a little bit more observational. A 'Mean Girls' type of thing where this is a real thing."

They critique the simplistic association of beauty with malice, arguing that the film perpetuates outdated tropes without offering a fresh perspective. Additionally, the hosts discuss the lack of backstory for the Evil Queen, making her motivations seem shallow and unconvincing.

Critiques on Representation and Messages

The discussion touches on representation issues, notably the casting of Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot:

Shar Josel [15:39]: "Beautiful women can be haters as well. There is a way that could have been written and translated for the babies watching the film that wouldn't have been so obtuse."

Candice Lim raises concerns about the film's message regarding beauty standards:

Candice Lim [12:38]: "I'm like, okay, what do we really mean by 'fairest of them all'? Let's get into it."

The panel argues that the film fails to modernize its themes effectively, instead reinforcing superficial ideals without meaningful critique or evolution.

The Panel's Consensus and Final Thoughts

While acknowledging certain positive elements, such as Rachel Zegler's performance and the nostalgic homage to the original animation, the panel largely criticizes the film for lacking depth, innovative storytelling, and cohesive visual execution. They conclude that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs feels like a technically accomplished but emotionally disengaged remake that doesn't elevate the source material.

What's Making Us Happy This Week

Shifting gears, the hosts share the things that brought joy to their week:

Candice Lim

Candice celebrates the release of Haim's new song:

Candice Lim [21:47]: "What's making me happy is 'Relationships' by Haim. It's a perfect summer vibe with driving beats and catchy choruses."

Shar Josel

Shar shares her newfound enjoyment of the soap opera Beyond the Gates and praises The Weeknd View for its engaging pop culture discussions on Saturday mornings:

Shar Josel [23:07]: "I'm enjoying 'Beyond the Gates' and 'The Weeknd View.' They're so camp and ridiculous that I can't look away."

Aisha Harris

Aisha highlights the rediscovery of the 1998 film Naked Acts, praising its exploration of Black female sexuality and artistic integrity:

Aisha Harris [24:06]: "I highly recommend 'Naked Acts.' It's a special and different film that explores Black female sexuality, friendship, and more."

Stephen Thompson

Stephen promotes Annie DeRusso's new album Super Pedestrian, lauding its blend of big guitars, catchy hooks, and relatable themes:

Stephen Thompson [25:17]: "Annie DeRusso's Super Pedestrian is perfect for spring and summer. 'Back in Town' is an anthem you’ll want to crank up your windows for."

Conclusion

Pop Culture Happy Hour provides a comprehensive and engaging analysis of Disney's latest Snow White remake, balancing critical perspectives with personal insights from each host. The episode not only scrutinizes the film's artistic and thematic choices but also celebrates diverse elements of pop culture that bring happiness to the hosts' lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Candice Lim [03:11]: "I walked in with really low expectations for this movie. I'm sorry, guys, but I found this movie quite comforting and charming."
• Shar Josel [04:13]: "Dopey was the star of this film. He really tugged at my heartstrings."
• Aisha Harris [06:03]: "The scene where Snow White vanishes into the forest echoed the original animation but introduced a cool, elevated aesthetic with red neon lights."
• Stephen Thompson [08:03]: "Interestingly, the strongest element of this film were the new songs."

For more discussions and recommendations, visit NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour.