Disney’s latest foray into live-action remakes, transforming an animated classic into a star-studded spectacle, is set to hit digital download platforms this Tuesday, 13th May.

However, the much-anticipated fantasy adventure has fallen short of expectations, garnering abysmal reviews and being labelled a box office disaster.

The film, featuring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, managed to scrape together just $202.8 million globally, which pales in comparison to its colossal budget estimated between $240–270 million, marking it as one of Disney’s most significant financial disappointments.

Despite its A-list cast, the controversial remake won’t be gracing streaming services like Disney+ just yet, nor will it be included in any subscription packages. Instead, fans eager to watch will have to shell out approximately £19.99 to own or £15.99 to rent what has been dubbed one of the worst major films of the decade thus far.

It will be available on platforms such as Prime Video, Sky Store, Apple TV, and Google TV.

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes handed it a meagre 40 percent score, although general audiences were more forgiving with a 72 percent approval rating. At one point, it even sunk to the lowest-rated movie on IMDb, with some critics branding Snow White as one of the all-time cinematic disasters.

One particularly scathing Google review read: “This film is a disgrace to the original classic-a soulless, uninspired cash grab that lacks charm, heart, or any justification for its existence”, reports the Mirror US.

“What a shame. This movie is garbage.”

Meanwhile, a Reddit user offered a less than stellar assessment: “I’d go with like a 3.5/10. Way too many musical numbers and any not involving Zegler were pretty bad imo.

“That led to not enough dialogue and a really weak plot and character development. The love story was so weak that for a while I was certain they hadn’t even introduced the love interest yet.

“Also the costume design was pretty laughable. The dwarves were really the only redeeming quality imo.”

Gadot, in particular, was called out on social media platform Letterboxd, where a user remarked: “This movie was painfully bad. Gal Gadot made this so unbearable.

“CGI was absolute s***. Don’t [even] get me started on the writing and dialogue. The only positive thing about this film was Rachel.

“Great showing from her but everything else no Bueno. Save yourself the trouble and don’t see this.”

Despite the largely negative reception, there were some who thoroughly enjoyed the remake, with a staunch supporter stating: “The Snow White remake is everything I hoped for in a modern reimagining.

“It maintains the heart of the original story while expanding it with new storylines and beautiful songs.

“In many ways, it feels like a West End or Broadway adaptation – taking the core material and transforming it with fresh ideas, characters, and a more immersive experience.”

With opinions divided, the question remains: will you be hitting play or passing on the controversial Snow White remake this week?

Snow White is available to rent or buy from Tuesday, 13th May on digital platforms.

Paramount+ is now the exclusive streaming home of one of the biggest action films of the 2020s that left audiences astounded.

Premiering in cinemas last November, this epic historical action sequel to a modern classic, set 16 years after the original, wowed viewers worldwide, raking in an impressive $462 million at the global box office.

It even earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for a top-tier cast member.

Now, you can enjoy this breathtaking spectacle at home on Paramount+, without spending an extra penny if you’re already subscribed to the service.

We’re talking about Gladiator II, helmed by Ridley Scott at his finest and featuring Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Russell Crowe’s legendary Maximus Decimus Meridius. After his father’s death, Lucius, living contentedly with his wife in Numidia as a soldier, is captured when General Acacius (portrayed by Pedro Pascal) invades.

Like his father, Lucius is sold into slavery and forced to fight in the iconic Colosseum under the guidance of Macrinus (Golden Globe nominee Denzel Washington), a former slave with ambitions to seize Rome.

Gladiator II has garnered a mix of reactions, securing a 70 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, yet it has resonated well with fans of the original, as evidenced by its 82 percent audience score on RT, reports the Mirror.

A Google review expressed delight: “Yesterday, I had the pleasure of watching Gladiator 2, and it was a beautifully nostalgic experience that exceeded my expectations.

“The film pays respectful homage to the original while introducing fresh elements that remain true to its tone. It is grand, elegant, sophisticated, and noble – ultimately delivering a deeply satisfying cinematic experience.”

Another viewer hailed it as “A Five-Star Epic That Honors the Legacy” in their assessment.

Washington’s performance received particular acclaim, with the same fan noting: “Denzel Washington’s commanding presence elevates the film to new heights. His performance is nothing short of extraordinary, adding gravitas and a magnetic intensity to every scene.”

Yet another five-star review enthused: “Gladiator II is a breathtaking sequel that not only pays homage to its predecessor but also carves out its own legendary path in cinematic history.

“Directed by the visionary Ridley Scott, this film transcends the expectations set by the original and delivers an experience that is both emotionally resonant and visually stunning.”

The film has garnered a legion of ardent followers on the movie social media site Letterboxd, with one fan proclaiming: “I’m in complete awe at what I’ve just watched, a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling.

“It’s always such a true honour to witness a Sir Ridley Scott film on the big screen, you are always certain to be entertained through his pioneering work of modern cinema.

“The action sequences are brutal as we venture and return into the heart pounding, glorious and regimented Roman colosseum. This for sure lives up to the legacy of the predecessor.”

And another fan enthused: “Couldn’t think of a better thing to do than stare at a sweaty bloody Paul Mescal for two and a half hours, my time is well spent.”

Could a cinematic journey back to Ancient Rome be your perfect plan this week?

Gladiator II is available to stream on Paramount+.

A hidden crime thriller gem on Netflix is being recommended by fans for the same reason.

The movie Reptile initially landed on the streaming platform as an exclusive in 2023 but didn’t generate as much buzz as other headline-grabbing titles.

Given the vast array of content Netflix offers, it’s not shocking that Reptile enjoyed just a brief stint as one of the top films during its launch week.

As viewers exhaust the latest hot releases and scour their next binge-worthy find, this underrated flick emerges as a worthy contender for rediscovery.

The plot kicks off with the savage murder of a young property agent, thrusting a grizzled detective into a perplexing investigation that shatters illusions in both the case and his personal life.

Starring Oscar-winning Benicio del Toro alongside Alicia Silverstone, Michael Pitt, and Justin Timberlake, Reptile lurks as a sleeper hit two years post its release, reports Surrey Live.

Despite receiving lukewarm reviews from critics initially, the film has garnered a growing fanbase. A glowing testimony on Rotten Tomatoes simply reads: “Exceeded my expectations in every way.”

One fan expressed, “Very underrated and under-the-radar film. I don’t get the negative reviews. Del Toro is great and seeing Timberlake as a creep was nice. The plot twists and changes, and I appreciated how this movie kept the story moving vs a prolonged three hour slog that seems all too common these days.”

Another viewer boldly declared, “Reptile is a subtle masterpiece. It is a far cry from the 80s and 90s police dramas in which the lead detectives were tough talking, gun slinging vigilant characters (like Dirty Harry).”

Continuing their praise, they added, “Instead, the script gives us a realistic depiction of a middle-age police detective whose vulnerability has been amplified due to having a corrupt cop for a partner in the past. The entire cast gives strong performances, and the story keeps the audience intrigued to the very end.”

Even those with criticisms ultimately recommend the movie, particularly highlighting del Toro’s performance: “Benicio del Toro continues to remind us why he’s one cool customer and among our greatest actors.”

Echoing the sentiment, another viewer applauded, “(Benicio’s character) is my favourite screen cop in a long, long time.”

Meanwhile, despite recognizing some flaws, an additional comment read, “Reptile has several holes in the plot, but such a pleasure watching Benicio del Toro.”

Summing up the captivating nature of the film, a spectator added, “(The film is) endlessly fascinating. Benicio Del Toro gives one hell of a performance here.”

Reptile is streaming on Netflix.