THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL.

There was so much online bad-will preceding this live-action remake of the 1937 classic that one expected a disaster. But this is a surprisingly engaging fairy tale, wisely updated, with a radiant Rachel Zegler as a young woman whose actions propel the story; this one isn’t dreaming of a Prince Charming.

Gal Gadot’s attempt to chew the scenery is intermittently successful; also, Snow White’s newfound computer-animated little friends look convincing enough.

The song score is a motley mix of the old favorites and newly written tunes of a more generic Broadway type.

2025-U.S. 109 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Marc Webb. Screenplay: Erin Cressida Wilson. Songs: Benj Pasek, Justin Paul (”Good Things Grow”). Costume Design: Sandy Powell. Cast: Rachel Zegler (Snow White), Gal Gadot (The Evil Queen), Andrew Burnap (Jonathan), Ansu Kabia. Voices of Patrick Page, Martin Klebba, Jeremy Swift.