A Chance of Snow

I saw this movie tonight on a video, and thought/hoped it would be a heart-warming Xmas flick - wrong!

It was way-overlong at 90 minutes, tedious, and not just because most of it was filmed in a laughable "airport". It was crammed full of stock situations (the old "experienced" couple, etc) and - please - have you EVER seen an airport like THAT - a sort of dream hotel!

Emotional level it seemed pitched at: about 8-10 year-olds.

I have never looked at the clock so much, and hoped that it would get better - it never did. Oh dear.

In some ways I feel that the older Christmas films (I mean before Hallmark started churning out 20 new ones a year) are better, they are not so formulaic. Yes there is still usually a romance involved and they generally promote family values and the spirit of the season, but they seem a bit more thought out and in some ways more polished too.

This film is about an existing love that has hit a rocky patch and how the right circumstances and a few good people can make a difference to the lives of those going through it. It gives hope and provides a cute story that's actually well acted and storyboarded. There are no massive Hollywood stars in it, unless you include the Mother from Poltergeist (1982) and a woman who's been in a couple of Star Trek episodes, but you don't need anyone too big to detract from the charming tale and take the focus. Even the children weren't the vile brats that usually appear in these festive specials.

I do like a bit of eye candy, which was definitely lacking and I felt sorry for the grandparents in the end, but this film kept my attention far more than others have lately.

Maddy (JoBeth Williams) is on the verge of divorcing her husband, Matt (Michael Ontkean). After all, he cheated on her, after 14 years, so doesn't he deserve to be dumped? It's nearing December 25th and Maddy is taking her two daughters to her mother's home in Chicago, to get away from the Christmas-at-home memories. At the airport, however, the wintery weather in Minnesota is turning into a blizzard and many flights are delayed, including Maddy's, her sister Katherine's, and the young girls'. As fate would have it, Matt is also at the airport, heading in a different direction, but his flight is likewise delayed. The two of them, Matt and Maddy, have plenty of time to cross each other's paths and discuss their futures. Katherine, a single lady lawyer, also meets an attractive man in the course of the day. Then, too, an older couple (Charles Durning and Barbara Barrie) are ready to share their advice on how to make a marriage endure. Will Maddy be able, bottomline, to forgive Matt? This is a sweet film that is, surprise, mostly conversation. After all, how much physical action can take place in an airport terminal? Williams and Ontkean are quite nice as the couple on the verge of marital extinction. The rest of the cast is also fine, with Durning and Barrie a pleasure to see and hear. The costumes and sets are fairly pleasant and the production values acceptable, as befitting a low budget film. As for the film's theme of forgiveness, that is always a welcome one, especially around the December festivities. Therefore, if you like holiday films that also offer a sweet love story, this one is definitely for you. So, when the day's chores are over, curl up in the sofa, sip some hot cider, and follow this tale of love that conquers all.

Set in an airport that most cities can only dream of, this movie neatly wrapped up the escape from reality that we need when watching a Christmas movie. Although highly predictable I felt entertained and enjoyed every minute of it. I am a sucker for all Christmas movies and personally enjoy the personal freedom from the world they bring. Even though a divorce is not a pleasant or desired act, I thought this focused on the children in a way that could or should make any adult contemplating divorce to stop and think who are the most affected. Enough of the serious, bottom line - I enjoyed it.

It's 1pm on a Sunday and I'm stuck for something to do. What should come onto the TV but A Chance of Snow :- "A Heartwarming Family Christmas Tale" said the announcer. Just what I wanted in May(!). I decided to watch it, and I'm glad that I did. Although this movie contains virtually every cliché associated with family and Christmas movies, including the classic "parents on the brink of divorce reunited after several meaningful talks with strangers" theme, I found it to be enjoyable and just the sort of thing that is a joy to watch around Christmas. It also stars the excellent JoBeth Williams from the cult POLTERGEIST movies. I would recommend this movie to anyone in the mood for some sentimental, easy-going holiday nonsense. 7/10