If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

i must have seen a different film!!

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

The acting in this movie is really good.

The most famous adaptation of Snow White, and the one that will always be my favourite, is the classic 1937 Disney film. This 1987 Cannon Movie Tales adaptation is not in the same league, but for low budget this is pretty good and is one of the better Cannon Movie Tale films.Snow White (1987) does have a few problems, with the biggest problem being some of the pacing, the film does drag at times with scenes that go on a little too long. This is particularly true of the scene in the woods, necessary but goes on too long and devoid of terror, it was a scene that was terrifying in the Disney film but is pretty interminable here, and it is further disadvantaged by the fake-looking animal stock footage. The low budget does show in the costumes (like with most of Cannon's film, with Beauty and the Beast being a notable exception), with some of the Queen's costumes like her horrendously kitschy disguises being particularly hideous and do not flatter Diana Rigg at all (one may argue that it suited the type of character, this viewer would argue that they don't do anything for a character who is meant to be one of the most beautiful women in the land). There are a few spots where the humour, courtesy of the Dwarfs' slapstick pratfalls, is a touch out of place as well, though most of it is very amusing and endearing.However, generally Snow White is one of Cannon's better-looking films, with some of their most lavish set design, especially the Queen's bedroom and the scary forest setting, and very rustic and beautifully lit photography. The make-up is also good, and there is a visually and dramatically imaginative touch with the Queen's demise at the end (see it for yourself, it is one of the most imaginatively done demises for any villain in a Cannon Movie Tales film). The incidental music is enchantingly whimsical, and the songs are lively and catchy, can listen to them all again with little problem. It's wittily and charmingly scripted, with a light touch without dissolving into over-cutesiness and a darker one without being traumatising, like the Disney film there are a couple of emotional parts like the aftermath of the poisoned apple. The story while not as dark as the Grimm version is still more faithful generally in detail and spirit than Disney's version, which some may like. While there are pacing issues it's not the case like The Emperor's New Clothes or The Frog Prince where the film is trying to extend a short story to feature length and not quite succeeding, Snow White's story is very strong and actually has a good amount happening.Performances are good, with a sweet Nicola Stapleton and a radiant and touchingly innocent Sarah Patterson as younger and older Snow White. The dwarfs do amuse, with the most memorable being Billy Barty, have sweet personalities and you can at least tell who's who. Diana Rigg is great sinister fun as the Queen with wonderfully arch delivery, and steals the show quite easily. The prince has very little screen time, but James Ian Wright gives the role a lot of poise and charm. All in all, not bad at all for a low budget Snow White adaptation, and one of Cannon's better outings. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Although it isn't as endearing or charming as Disney's animated version I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I think both Nicola Stapleton and Sarah Patterson (better known for her role as Rosaleen in Company of Wolves) did a good job playing Snow White. Best part was played by the evil queen (Mia Rig) who really was evil. At least she was pretty in comparison to the evil queen from Disney who looked like a ghost (and could never be the fairest of them all). The evil queen had so many costumes in which she could disguise and transform into a totally different person. She used her disguises 3 times to kill Snow White. That's right she needed 3 attempts for that. I'm glad they showed us in this version all of these attempts so people do know it was not only the poisonous apple. I knew about a poisonous comb in one the version I have read but never knew about the corset until I saw this one. The mirror was mostly the scary thing in the movie, having that foul laugh and face. The songs are nice not great but not over the top and fitting. I was a bit disappointed by the dwarfs however, they do lack some kind of personality and too bad they have all the same sounding names ending on "iddy". I think even after multiple viewings it will be impossible to say who is who. Nevertheless this is certainly one of the best adaptations of the fairy tale.

Let's get down to the meat of the review, shall we? I think we all know the story of Snow White well enough to skip the summary.First, let's get the negative over with. Here are the movies bad points: 1: The King's fate. Snow White and her father were extremely close. The movie made an effort to point it out. Then Snow White begs the huntsman not to kill her, and she'll run away in the forest and never come back. The king is told his beloved daughter is dead, and is so heartbroken, he goes into battle, and dies. How unfair! Snow White should have come back and told her father of the queen's scheme, regardless of what she told the huntsman.2: The 'extraordinary band of tiny little men', with the exception of Billy Barty. They weren't endearing, they just sort of all blended together into one dirty, annoying mass. They seemed more concerned about Snow White as a servant than a family member, and I never could remember who was who, due to the rhyming names. Plus, most of them had the personality of rocks.3: The Queen's costumes! I only saw one that I half-way liked, and the rest were either blah or hideous. Don't even get me started on some of the headdresses! There were so many costume changes, I can't believe they couldn't impress me just once.4: Some scenes dragged on too long, and some weren't even needed. Take for instance, Snow White's flight through the woods as a child. It just kept going and going, with no real action, except a confusing encounter with a wild dog, and could have been cut into half, at least. Even as a child, at the height of my fascination with fairy tales, I found the scene boring. There are a few others, but I think you get the idea.On the plus side: 1: The adult Snow White, played by Sarah Patterson. Not only could I easily believe she was the fairest in the land, she had the character of Snow White down as well. Kind and innocent to a fault, as well as dignified and graceful, not to mention industrious and cheerful. There was a subtle sensual quality to her, a young woman on the verge of blooming.2: The Prince. He didn't have a lot of air time, but the actor did a lot with it. Handsome and Verile, with a strong singing voice and a soulful quality, it's not hard to see why Snow White went off with him so quickly. Most of the time, I'm rolling my eyes when the prince declares his love, (even as a kid) but in this case, I just go: 'Awww.' 3: Snow White's parents. There was a natural, sweet chemistry between them, both of them fine actors. The king's grief upon her passing was heart wrenching. Usually, in fairy tales, life and death is a light matter, but the movie managed to convey the importance of such a final event without getting depressing.4: The sets! From Snow White's lavish childhood bedroom, to the drawn's rustic, cozy cottage, there is nothing but top-notch quality. You believe you have been transported to this fairy tale world, and not once are you jarred from story moment.Everything that I have not mentioned, falls into the average category.

Not since Disney's heroine glided across the screen, has Snow White been so beautifully portrayed. Sarah Patterson (A Company of Wolves) is not only beautiful, but gives Snow White the spunky yet child-like quality needed to bring the young princess to life. Miss Patterson also has a pleasant singing voice. I highly recommend seeing this enchanting version of the classic story!!!