Snow Day

Originally I went to see this movie because I like Jean Smart and have missed seeing her on film or on the small screen -- "Designing Women" just doesn't do it anymore.

Even though her role is not pivotal to the story line she is still great to watch.

Chris Elliot essentially reprises his role from "There's Something About Mary" as a "cosmetically impaired" misfit. While not being a great fan of Mr. Elliot he did fit this particular character perfectly.

There is a very nice ending to the movie -- predictable as it may be -- but with a very pleasant twist that is a welcome change from the usual.

Iggy Pop as a skating rink DJ that only plays romantic ballads is a great bit of casting genius -- he is so believable that you wonder if being a DJ at an ice skating rink may have been his dream job when he was younger -- he certainly has the perfect velvety tones for it.

There are few laugh-out-loud jokes here -- but there is a lot of clever writing, good acting and great characters which is what really makes a movie enjoyable after all, isn't it?

This movie is a joy for all ages. It is a wholesome movie to watch, which you don't see much of these days! It has points that all ages can recognize and laugh at( even late 20's parents that dread seeing another children's movie) I found myself laughing the whole way through the show! It was great I had 2 five yr old's and a 8 yr old with me and they were all perfectly entertained by the show and it held their attention throughout the movie..... which very seldom happens! Also the movie related to many teens in the audience as well! 10 Stars for the director!!! And wheeeew.......where did they find the heart throb girl Claire in the movie.......I have a feeling we will see a whole lot more of her in the future.

First of all, it is a story about a group of kids trying to seek revenge because of the "Snow Plow Man" who has ruined every first snow day with no snow day to follow. (He ruined it by plowing the roads and making it so the kids could go to school after each snow day.) The older brother of one of the kids is trying to find a way to tell a popular girl that he likes her. The plot is that simple. The plot is not "meshed" it is just like any other movie, there is more than one thing going on, but it would only confuse you if you are an easily confused person (after all it was intended for a younger audience, and they get it!). There is no harsh or "adult" language used in the film, to my knowledge.

This film has some laughs, especially when Chris Elliott is at his hammiest behind the wheel of his snowplow. Some things seem off, but it's a kids' movie, so I'll let stuff like that go for the most part. Also, there are many story-lines that just aren't woven together well. We're not sure who the main character is supposed to be (it doesn't seem to be the narrator - the adolescent older brother - since his story is in the background). The problem is that they did not focus enough on the "fun" aspect of this film, the snow day itself. They spent too much time on this kid trying to get this popular girl (whom he then rejects) and that had nothing to do with a snow day, other than the mantra he kept repeating. "Snow Day" is pretty good but not as good as I thought it would be. It's good for a deep snowy day if you want to stay inside. Grab a hot coco make yourself comfortable and enjoy. You're sure to get a good laugh.

Overall rating: 6 out of 10.

Having seen Schuyler Fisk as little tomboy Kristy in "The Baby-sitters' Club" five years ago, I knew Schuyler was talented. (Especially by such poor acting by the rest of the BSC cast in comparison) Even though I had my doubts about "Snow Day", I waited until it came out on DVD so I could rent it. The story involving the little kids was kind of cheesy (that is being kind) but since I'm a teenager, I won't come down too hard. The Hal / Lane story was pretty cute though. Even though it's been done, it was refreshing to see the two friends that were falling for each other in the movie really weren't super models. "Snow Day" could have easily pulled a "She's All That" trick. (The "outcasts" could be on the cover of "Seventeen" in a heartbeat) But you won't find that here. Schuyler Fisk and Mark Webber both shine without looking gorgeous or being a heartthrob. They just looked like regular kids. I wish we would find that in more films.

Since then, I've looked out for Mark Webber too. We'll see Schuyler and Mark both in the future. All in all, "Snow Day" wasn't total fluff. It's not as bad as the trailers make it seem. And if you don't like the story, at least you can end the movie listening to Schuyler's song "It's Not Her" on the closing credits. (I now officially have that song stuck in my head) The verdict: I give this a 6 out of 10.

Part "American Graffiti" (a few hours in the lives of several kids and the adults in their lives), part "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (fun and life's lessons learned in a day off from school), part "Groundhog's Day" (the second film in what I hope will eventually be The Weatherman Trilogy featuring Chris Elliot in quirky roles), and part "A Christmas Story" (nostalgia and snow), "Snow Day" is a slap stick comedy that doesn't take itself seriously and offers harmless fun. Something for everyone in the family. Chevy Chase and Jean Smart have fairly small roles as the parents but they are a joy to watch. Stories involving younger kids reminded my of "Our Gang", the stories involving teens reminded me of "Ferris Buelle"r. Rated PG for mischief (say what?), and the word "butt." Emmanuelle Chriqui plays the most popular girl in school who is not only drop dead gorgeous but a girl next door type who is nice to everyone. She makes a terrific role model and it's refreshing to see this aspect of her character, which in most movies would have been written as all out bad.