• Den of Geek
  • Posts
  • 🍎 Snow White: Rachel Zegler's Performance Rises to the Top

🍎 Snow White: Rachel Zegler's Performance Rises to the Top

Rachel Zegler is the perfect Disney princess in the live action Snow White remake, but there are a few spots on the apple.

Author

Michael Ahr
March 21, 2025

Friday Edition March 21, 2025

In partnership with

As I was prepping the Snow White article for the newsletter today, it occurred to me that the sentiments expressed by our Senior Movies Editor David Crow in the headline, “Rachel Zegler Is Great, The Movie Is Not,” sounded like a familiar refrain. Remember when Glenn Close chewed up the scenery in the simply awful 1996 remake of 101 Dalmatians? Unlike Emma Stone’s Cruella in 2021, which gave its star a worthy vehicle, sometimes the leading lady is the only good thing about a film.

The same could be said of Angelina Jolie in 2014’s Maleficent and the 2019 follow-up, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. She (and her amazing costume) were the reason to see the movie. Obviously, it’s much more fun when both the star and the film rise to the occasion, such as the acclaimed 2015 remake of Cinderella, which benefitted not only from Lily James’ lead performance but also that of evil stepmother Cate Blanchett.

Are you headed to the theaters to see Snow White this opening weekend? Or will you wait for it to show up on streaming?

— Michael Ahr, Newsletter Editor

Photo: Disney

MOVIES
Snow White Review: Rachel Zegler Is Great, The Movie Is Not

Disney’s latest live-action remake of Snow White brings a fresh take on the beloved fairy tale, and Rachel Zegler undeniably owns the stage in the title role, delivering a performance full of charm and sincerity, proving she was a great casting choice. Unfortunately, it is in a film that still suffers from the main problems of so many Disney remakes: it is a product designed in a committee to appeal to everyone. The movie is thus a worshipful homage to the 1937 film and simultaneously a half-hearted course correction for audiences who want more than a princess singing that a strange man will save her. Those CG dwarfs are also nightmare fuel!

Still, Zegler anchors it with Broadway level talent, even if the movie is ultimately satisfied with being little more than a Disneyland meet-and-greet with the princess. Read the full review below, and be sure to check out more details about how Snow White's origin was changed as well.

Photo: Tori Time

THE PERFECT PARFAIT
Syd & Olivia Get Jacked on Red Bull Parfait, Do Tongue Twisters, Chaos Ensues

In our last newsletter, we introduced you to The Perfect Parfait, a bonkers interview show that we’re absolutely in love with. In this episode, Hunter sits down with the very funny, very talented Sydney Heller and Olivia DeLaurentis — aka comedy duo Syd & Olivia — as they enjoy Chef David Codney’s A Double Shot of Chaos, a parfait that the chef claims tastes “just like a creamsicle.” But if we’re being honest, it’s more like a bunch of pound cake with Red Bull poured on top.

This episode is less of an interview and more of a boozy, Red Bull-and-Adderall-fueled girls' night (shot at, like, 11 AM on a Sunday). That’s not to say we don’t learn a lot about our guests — like how Syd & Olivia were basically real-life versions of the Pen15 girls in high school, their eclectic creative influences (Eric Andre AND The Shining twins), and what they would do if they found out their boyfriend’s dad was a Neo-Nazi. (They also perform Jeff Daniels’ iconic speech from The Newsroom pilot in under 35 seconds.) It’s an absolute must-watch!

Photo: Nick Morgulis

MOVIES
Clown in a Cornfield Marks a Homecoming for Tucker and Dale Director

Director Eli Craig, the mind behind the cult-favorite horror-comedy Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, is making a long-awaited return to the genre with Clown in a Cornfield. The film, based on Adam Cesare’s YA horror novel, recently debuted at SXSW, and Craig couldn’t be more thrilled to be back in the spotlight. He visited the Den of Geek studio to talk about this blend of slasher thrills and dark humor that channels the energy of classic horror while bringing something fresh to the table.

Craig’s approach leans into the practical effects and old-school horror vibes that made ’80s slashers so effective. He’s all about delivering that mix of terror and fun—something horror fans have been craving. But what makes Clown in a Cornfield stand out from the crowd? And how does Craig’s return shake up the genre? Click below to find out!

FROM OUR PARTNERS AT 1440

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Exclusive: The Alto Knights brain trust, including Robert De Niro and screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, open up about telling the story of how the Mafia died.

Among thousands of UFO videos submitted to Enigma in 2024, these are the most compelling.

What do Orson Welles and the Severance season 2 have in common? Thanks to a marching band: more than you might think!

Daredevil: Born Again's latest villain Muse tests Matt Murdock more than even Wilson Fisk can.

TODAY’S TRIVIA QUESTION

In Cruella (2021), what is the name of the fashion designer who becomes Cruella’s mentor and rival?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

LINK TANK
In Other News…

Was this forwarded to you? We’re a pop culture website that prides itself on having content produced by experts, for fans. Because we are fans!
It’s free to subscribe.