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.

What a nice basic film, of course not a hollywood blockbuster, but how many xmas movies in the last 10 years have made it on to dvd like this one.

This was enjoyable enough to sit through without having to get up to fill the kettle or use the loo, and it still has a christmasy feeling about it even though its filmed almost entirely in an airport, the acting from Jobeth Williams is a little bit wooden though, not like her other more well known roles, she looks a bit bored and in need of filming to end, but the other main cast did a brilliant job, especially the two daughters. The story is basically about a couple heading for a divorce, who after taking advise from an elderly couple, that have been married for 40 years, decide to patch things up, none of this would have happened unless both there flights were delayed after a snow storm. The only real christmasy bits are of the dreadful clothes(hand knitted, granny jumpers) get the picture, and a few decorations that you don't really notice, but all in all a pleasant little film worth watching, with the kids, of course.

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

I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 Christmas MOVIES.

BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 Christmas MOVIES. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM FARE.

JoBeth Williams is one of Americas most reconcilable actors. She first made a huge impression in the film "Kramer Vs Kramer". She went on to star in "The Dogs of War" but her breakthrough role came when she landed the lead role in "Poltergeist" as the mom who will do anything to save her child. She was also great in the BASED ON A TRUE STORY films "Murder Ordained" "Adam" & "Baby M" In fact when it came to portraying real women nobody is better then her. In this film she is exceptional (as usual) but the story has problems near the end.

In this story a woman has filed for divorce after her husband cheated on her. It was a one night stand and her hurt was understanding but with the help of Mother Nature her kids and Two New Strangers in the airport she is forced to deal with the cheating issue because her husband is also now stuck at the airport and none of them can go anywhere.

Now this film isn't exactly a Christmas film. Just because this takes place on December 24th doesn't make this a Christmas Theme film but it is about "Hope" "Love" "Forgiveness" and looking at your own defects and trying to move forward after betrayal.

Not the greatest film but if you come across it on TV then watch it.