Get ready to return to the forest where it all began—Disney’s Snow White premieres exclusively on Disney+ this June 11, offering a reimagined adventure that’s equal parts nostalgia and wonder.
Whether you’re watching from your couch or somewhere a little more enchanted, this live-action retelling of the 1937 animated classic promises an unforgettable journey for families and Disney fans of all ages. The film draws from the original’s timeless heart while adding a bold new visual style, powered by breathtaking effects that bring nature and fantasy to life like never before.
Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White, bringing fresh emotion to the beloved princess. And just like the original wowed audiences with its music nearly a century ago, this new version soars with a magical soundtrack. EGOT-winning songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land) infuse the film with fresh energy, including the beautiful new ballad “Waiting on a Wish”, which joins reimagined versions of fan favorites like “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work.”
And if you’re feeling especially nostalgic, you can also stream the original 1937 animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, now on Disney+. It’s a perfect way to revisit the wishing well that started it all.
So mark your calendars—June 11 is your next fairytale movie night.
From her film debut in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story to her bravura performance in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Rachel Zegler has the talent and screen presence to be a bona fide superstar. The young actress has range, spunk, and the vocal chops to deliver a classic Sondheim and Bernstein song splendidly. I have such respect for her that I find her underutilized in the overly busy live-action remake of Snow White. The movie is riddled with sentiments that have been played out in other films before and is overloaded with CGI that, at times, doesn’t look quite finished. For someone of Zegler’s talent, this feels beneath her—except when she sings one of the songs by Pasek and Paul.
All the narrative beats from the classic Disney cartoon are in this movie, but they have been expanded to include Snow White’s relationship with her parents and how she got her name in the first place. Her parents raised her to be a leader and to treat people with kindness, and it’s this upbringing that allows her stepmother to take over when Snow White’s father fails to return home after an investigation in the southern parts of their kingdom.
Snow White is then left to do chores, and she and the rest of the kingdom gradually forget she even exists (as expressed in one of the expository songs). The Evil Queen allows her to live as long as the magical mirror proclaims her to be the fairest of them all, but the moment Snow White awakens to the world’s harsh realities, the mirror finally declares her as the fairest. This prompts the Evil Queen to attempt to take her life.
One of the more clever additions here is the idea that Snow White isn’t considered beautiful until she has woken up to the realities of the world. It’s an interesting contemporary reimagining of the story: that beauty is a concept that goes deeper than the skin. It should play well with the film’s push for a more politically-charged retelling of the story but director Marc Webb and screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson can’t make this kingdom feel bigger than the tiny little town in the film’s opening. This world feels so small and spends more time trying to capture nostalgia rather than to amplify its new themes. It takes the most shallow and contrived examples of corruption and shows them at such a small scale that the urgency the film tries to push doesn’t seem quite true or authentic.
What makes it even harder to sink into is the balance of the magical elements. There’s a mystical wood right beside Snow White’s castle with the seven dwarves who mine for gems that would make the Evil Queen turn feral, but never do we see her greedy schemes ever come near the dwarves or their bounty. So, when the dwarves agree to help Snow White, it feels unjustified.
Zegler, as Snow White, is fierce and a powerhouse. There’s a humanity in her that makes the character work, though she struggles when performing alongside a fully CGI-created cast. She fares much better when sharing scenes with other live actors—or even, for some reason, CGI-Dopey. Gal Gadot, as the Evil Queen, is giving it her all. What I find unfortunate is that she doesn’t bring anything interesting to the portrayal of the Queen. It’s such a literal performance that it feels uninspired. I’m surprised that she sings quite well. Andrew Burnap plays Jonathan, a bandit who fights in the name of the true king and is the new love interest for Snow White. It’s a fluffy character that’s written to be charming and to bring him (and by association Snow White) closer to the people, which would be fine if the film interrogated and explored the weakness of monarchial system. But it doesn’t. It still presents the fact that princesses and kings are okay despite all this talk about “being for the people.” There’s a disconnect to the socially charged themes and in the setting never questioning the viability of a system that passes down authority by bloodline or marriage. It’s not ideal. Look at what happened with the Evil Queen.
In an attempt to infuse the film with politically charged plots, the film ended up showing how superficial it was in its adoption of these new themes. And when you consider the reimagining of Snow White’s loss of her kingdom, the live-action remake of ‘Cinderella’ by Kenneth Branagh does it much better. It’s practically the same circumstances but done with more heart and a scale befitting the story. In ‘Snow White,’ everything is super-sized but it doesn’t take the time to match it in scale and so it feels hollow and empty.
With the shoddy CGI – those dwarves are not enjoyable to watch at all – and the plot not giving us anything new, Zegler is working overtime in making the film worth watching. She is singing every song and trying to make every scene mean something more and while she’s doing great, everything around her is just falling short. Zegler deserves a better movie than this and the original cartoon should have just been left alone.
My Rating:
Snow White is now showing in cinemas! Ready for the magic? Catch it on the big screen—check showtimes and get your tickets here!
Step into the classic fairytale like never before as Disney’s Snow Whitearrives in Philippine cinemas. Pair the magical experience with top-tier cinema at Ayala Malls Cinemas, which will carry the film nationwide.
Watch the Trailer:
The film follows the timeless story of the princess Snow White (Rachel Zegler), as she tries to save herself and the kingdom from the clutches of the Evil Queen(Gal Gadot), with the help of seven dwarfs. The classic tale comes fully alive with new music from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who wrote songs for Aladdin(2019). The film also features beloved songs such as “Whistle While You Work,” and “Someday My Prince Will Come.”
Snow White fans are in for a treat as Ayala Malls will have magical Snow White installations fans can take photos of. Kids will enjoy the Snow White arts and crafts section at select malls, which also has facepainting with photo souvenirs.
Fans can also take their experience to a new level with specialty 4DX, A-Giant, ATMOS, and A-Luxe cinemas. Moviegoers can immerse themselves in the film like never before with 4DX, a multi-sensory cinema experience that simulates film effects with the motion-seats, lights, and wind. A-Giant takes film to a bigger-than-life experience with a screen four times larger than a regular cinema screen. The A-Luxe cinema boasts luxuriously comfortable premium seats that will make film viewing cozy and relaxed. The Ayala Malls specialty cinemas ensure that moviegoers will have the best experience that they’ll have paired with their chosen film.
Keep updated with Snow White and all the latest cinema experiences from Ayala Malls Cinemas by following the official Ayala Malls Cinemas Facebook and Instagram pages.
Looking for something new to watch this week? This week’s lineup has something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for a magical fairytale, a thrilling mystery, or even an electrifying documentary. Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic trip with Disney’s Snow White, a gripping crime thriller like Nocturnal, or a bone-chilling horror experience with Sofia, The Possession, this week’s lineup delivers thrills, nostalgia, and unforgettable stories. Music lovers can indulge in Hans Zimmer’s cinematic symphony or explore the untold history of the iconic Eraserheads. And for those who love supernatural mysteries, Postmortem will keep you on the edge of your seat. With fantasy, horror, thriller, and music documentaries, this week’s new releases bring excitement, suspense, and nostalgia in equal measure. Check out the six new movies opening today, plus a special documentary premiere this Friday!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
2025 • PG • 1 hr 48 mins FAMILY, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
Who’s ready to step into a fairytale? Disney’s Snow White is here to sprinkle some magic on your week. This family fantasy stars Rachel Zegler as Snow White, a sweet soul escaping her envious stepmother, the Queen (Gal Gadot), by bunking with seven quirky dwarfs. The Queen’s on a mission to be the “fairest in the land,” but Snow White’s grace and grit might just outshine her. With Emilia Faucher in the mix, this live-action gem blends stunning visuals with classic Disney heart. It’s the perfect pick for a feel-good outing with the fam—or a solo trip down memory lane!
What’s the buzz? Gadot’s wicked charm versus Zegler’s star glow. Will this be your happily-ever-after watch?
Eraserheads: Combo On The Run drops on March 21, but we’re hyping it up now because it’s that good. This documentary rewinds to 1989, when Ely Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, and Buddy Zabala sparked a revolution with the Eraserheads. Their songs ruled the airwaves, but what’s the real story behind the hits? Packed with unseen footage and raw interviews, this film’s a nostalgic goldmine for fans and a crash course for newbies. It’s OPM history, unfiltered and unforgettable.
Why’s it a big deal? It’s your chance to relive the ‘90s glory days. Who’s humming “Pare Ko” already?
2025 • PG • 2 hrs 38 mins DOCUMENTARY, MUSIC BUY TICKETS
This one’s a masterpiece! Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert is a documentary that takes you from Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena to the Arabian Desert’s golden dunes. Featuring Hans Zimmer, Billie Eilish, and Christopher Nolan, it’s a mix of jaw-dropping live performances and behind-the-scenes chats. Zimmer’s legendary scores have fueled cinematic epics, and now we’re seeing the man behind the magic. It’s inspiring, cinematic, and a total treat for the senses.
What’s got us hooked? Eilish’s ethereal voice plus Zimmer’s orchestral genius. Ready for a soundscape adventure?
2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 39 mins MYSTERY, THRILLER GET SHOWTIMES
Nocturnal is your next obsession. Ha Jung-woo plays Min-tae, a retired gangster thrust back into chaos when his brother Seok-tae turns up dead. With his brother’s wife Moon-young (Yoo Da-in) in the suspect spotlight, Min-tae digs into a strange call with a reclusive novelist (Kim Nam-gil). As his past crew and the cops circle, the mystery deepens. This South Korean nail-biter is all about suspense, secrets, and shocking turns—perfect for anyone who loves a good whodunit.
Why watch? It’s a twisty tale that’ll keep you guessing. Got your detective hat on?
Postmortem follows Rex (Alex Vincent Medina), a paranormal sleuth who taps into the dead’s final thoughts. Called by his brother-in-law Anton (Agassi Noriega), Rex faces a curse tied to headless figures—a creepy superstition. Alongside Jai Asuncion, they battle visions and fear as the curse infects them, pushing them to find its bitter host. It’s a chilling mix of local lore and heart-pounding scares that’ll stick with you.
What’s the draw? It’s horror with a cultural kick. Can you handle the headless haunt?
Closing out the week is Sofia, the Possession, a horror gem that’ll make you rethink Ouija boards. Sara Jiménez stars as Sofia, a 14-year-old searching for her mom, who vanished at a boarding school. Guided by eerie spirit messages, Sofia enrolls to uncover the truth, joined by Ángela Arellano and Lara Boedo. This Spanish scare-fest blends teen angst with supernatural spooks, delivering a story that’s as touching as it is terrifying. It’s a wild ride for horror fans craving something fresh.
Why’s it spooky? Dorm life meets ghostly vibes. Will Sofia’s search end in peace—or panic?
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still playing in cinemas – catch them before they’re gone! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
2025 • PG • 1 hr 58 mins ACTION, SCIENCE FICTION GET SHOWTIMES
There you go, movie lovers—six awesome films landing in theaters this week, each with a story to tell and a mood to match. Whether you’re 25 and chasing thrills, 35 and reminiscing with Eraserheads, or 45 and bonding with the kids, there’s something here for you. So, what’s your vibe—Snow White’s sparkle, Sofia’s scares, or something in between?
Next week, keep your radar on for more gems like Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino’s dreamy rom-com My Love Will Make You Disappear is on the horizon. But for now, these six movies are your ticket to a fantastic week! Don’t miss out—check our Movie Section for showtimes and snag your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Enjoy the movies!
The wait is almost over! Disney’s Snow White, the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved 1937 animated classic, is set to enchant audiences in the Philippines starting March 19. With a fresh take on the timeless tale, this visually stunning and musically captivating film brings new life to a story that has inspired generations.
A Modern Retelling of Disney’s First Princess
Under the visionary direction of Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer, The Amazing Spider-Man), Disney’s Snow White stays true to the essence of the original film while embracing a bold, contemporary perspective. “It was really important for us to honor the DNA of ‘Snow White.’” He furthers, “The original ‘Snow White’ didn’t break the mold—it created the mold. But there was also an opportunity to retell the mythology in a way that reflects the times we’re in, and I think all good stories evolve over time.”
Taking on the iconic titular role is Rachel Zegler, the critically acclaimed star of West Side Story and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Her portrayal brings depth, courage, and compassion to the beloved character. “Having a female character at the forefront of your story whose entire purpose is to be fearless, fair, brave, and true is unlike anything that I’ve ever seen before, and I am very excited for the next generation of moviegoers to see that,” she shares.
She is joined by Andrew Burnap (WeCrashed, The Inheritance) as Jonathan, an original character created for this adaptation, and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), who steps into the role of the Evil Queen—delivering a mesmerizing performance as one of Disney’s most legendary villains.
A Breathtaking Musical Experience
Music has always been at the heart of Snow White, and this adaptation continues that tradition with Oscar- and Tony-winning composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen) bringing the soundtrack to life. Featuring Rachel Zegler’s powerful vocals—honed from her early days as a YouTube singer—the film’s musical lineup includes both beloved classics and brand-new songs.
One of the most anticipated additions is Waiting on a Wish, a beautifully crafted original song that perfectly captures Snow White’s hopes and dreams. Now available on Spotify and YouTube, this enchanting track offers a glimpse into the film’s musical magic.
Listen to “Waiting On A Wish” now:
Book Your Tickets Now!
Experience the magic, music, and adventure of Disney’s Snow White when it premieres in Philippine cinemas on March 19! Don’t miss this spectacular retelling of a timeless classic.
