108 reviews
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.
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.
- PredragReviews
- May 9, 2016
- Permalink
Tom Brandston (Chevy Chase) is the weather man of a television, fighting for recognition of his skill and knowledge. His son Hal Brandston (Mark Webber) has a crush on Claire Bonner (Emmanuelle Chriqui) and does not pay attention on the affection of his friend Lane Leonard (Schuyler Fisk). His sister Natalie Brandston (Zena Grey) wants to stop Roger the Snowplowman (Chris Elliot), the terror of the children. Tom's wife is a workaholic businesswoman, who leaves her family in second plane, giving more attention to her job. The story takes place along a snow day in Syracuse. This movie is very silly, and maybe children may have some fun. My vote is four.
Title (Brazil): `Quebrando o Gelo' (Breaking the Ice')
Title (Brazil): `Quebrando o Gelo' (Breaking the Ice')
- claudio_carvalho
- Mar 13, 2004
- Permalink
I had high hopes for this movie before it first came out, noticing that the writers were none other than the masterminds behind "The Adv. of Pete & Pete". Having watched it, however, left me feeling underwhelmed. I think for anyone who was (is) a fan of P & P, watching this movie is like watching flashbacks from the show, albeit with less engaging characters and a so-so story. Messrs. McRobb and Viscardi even throw in the obligatory "slightly annoying sidekick kid named Wayne" in this movie, which I find to be quite sad.. anyway, here's to Pete & Pete, forever in our collective memories..
I hate to see people meticulously pine over the details of this marvelous film as if it were "The Last Temptation of Christ". It's a simple film with heart and hilarity. This film features some of the funniest children actors I've ever seen. It's painfully corny, yes, but a the same time it makes you laugh out loud and feel the characters. Watch this movie. It's pure hilarity and fun.
Starring: Chevy Chase, Mark Webber, Chris Elliott, Jean Smart, Schuyler Fisk, Iggy Pop, and Pam Grier Directed by Chris Koch. Written by Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi. Running Time: 89 minutes. Rated PG (for comic mischief).
"Snow Day" is a family comedy that can't decide what it is about, who the main character is, or what its problem is. The worst thing about this movie is that even if all of the above was clarified in depth, it still wouldn't have worked because the stakes simply aren't high enough. From the first ten pages of the screenplay the production was doomed; it brings new comprehension to the phrase "too much too soon."
"Snow Day" details the lives of a lot of characters, too many characters, over the course of a snow day, that eager sunrise where, local schools close to due unsafe driving conditions. There is Hal Brandstonb (Mark Webber), a high school teenager who has a desirable crush on a girl named Clare, Chad (John Schneider), who gets physical with any romantic competition, Laura Brandston (Jean Smart), who's occupation overworks her on a daily schedule, depriving her from valuable family time, Lane (Schuyler Fisk), a close friend of Hal, Tom Brandston (Chevy Chase) a struggling weather forecaster who wears childish costumes and does funny things, his executive (Pam Grier), who is angry that their television competition is phony, Snowplowman (Chris Elliott), a nasty snowplow driver whom the local children despise, and the school principal whom many kids bomb with snowballs.
Who is the main character here? Where is the defining or development of him or her? Everything is exaggerated and over the top, from the characters to the unbelievable plot. The principal is bombarded with snowballs from unseen assassin-like kids throughout the entire running length; the Snowplowman chases after elementary aged children with his truck attempting to run them over, the teenage crush in which the formulas are repetitive, the weather forecaster's family member's silly behavior, the stations competition with an individual who looks like he is from an infomercial, and even the snowfall itself, which is well over ten feet high. Some characters are used as plot devices, having no shape or development, just hinged by the scripts every need.
There is some fun with a few of the characters, and there are some very funny scenes and events that take place. Tom is hilariously portrayed by Chevy Chase, who offers the appropriate cynical personality for the goofy role. Other characters of interest are Snowplowman, Laura, the principal who contributes extravagant but slapstick parody, but never did I care about anything involving the teen romance. That subplot is contrived, typical, and contains so little chemistry. It is a dead end street, and is followed by an ending that would never occur in our wildest dreams. The characters are one dimensional, and lackadaisical; a complete waste of time.
Throughout the production of "Snow Day," I was continually asking myself questions. Questions like, is this movie about a snow day? A struggling weather forecaster? An overworked mother? A hapless teenage crush? Or perhaps the film was a portrayal of what happens when people are required to spend time together--taking the shape of a family comedy? In that case, we would need more information about each of the characters, so that we could care about them. Whatever the case may be, we still need a conflict in the story. Here, I wondered if the conflict was about a mother who couldn't get to work, a teenager who can't overcome fear to communicate with the girl of his dreams, or a horrible snow plow driver destroying the children's chance at having another snow day. With so many unanswered questions, an adolescent should rather spend time at school learning answers instead of wasting a valuable snow day away in the theater of "Snow Day" with their hands up waiting for answers that will never come.
Brought to you by Paramount Pictures.
"Snow Day" is a family comedy that can't decide what it is about, who the main character is, or what its problem is. The worst thing about this movie is that even if all of the above was clarified in depth, it still wouldn't have worked because the stakes simply aren't high enough. From the first ten pages of the screenplay the production was doomed; it brings new comprehension to the phrase "too much too soon."
"Snow Day" details the lives of a lot of characters, too many characters, over the course of a snow day, that eager sunrise where, local schools close to due unsafe driving conditions. There is Hal Brandstonb (Mark Webber), a high school teenager who has a desirable crush on a girl named Clare, Chad (John Schneider), who gets physical with any romantic competition, Laura Brandston (Jean Smart), who's occupation overworks her on a daily schedule, depriving her from valuable family time, Lane (Schuyler Fisk), a close friend of Hal, Tom Brandston (Chevy Chase) a struggling weather forecaster who wears childish costumes and does funny things, his executive (Pam Grier), who is angry that their television competition is phony, Snowplowman (Chris Elliott), a nasty snowplow driver whom the local children despise, and the school principal whom many kids bomb with snowballs.
Who is the main character here? Where is the defining or development of him or her? Everything is exaggerated and over the top, from the characters to the unbelievable plot. The principal is bombarded with snowballs from unseen assassin-like kids throughout the entire running length; the Snowplowman chases after elementary aged children with his truck attempting to run them over, the teenage crush in which the formulas are repetitive, the weather forecaster's family member's silly behavior, the stations competition with an individual who looks like he is from an infomercial, and even the snowfall itself, which is well over ten feet high. Some characters are used as plot devices, having no shape or development, just hinged by the scripts every need.
There is some fun with a few of the characters, and there are some very funny scenes and events that take place. Tom is hilariously portrayed by Chevy Chase, who offers the appropriate cynical personality for the goofy role. Other characters of interest are Snowplowman, Laura, the principal who contributes extravagant but slapstick parody, but never did I care about anything involving the teen romance. That subplot is contrived, typical, and contains so little chemistry. It is a dead end street, and is followed by an ending that would never occur in our wildest dreams. The characters are one dimensional, and lackadaisical; a complete waste of time.
Throughout the production of "Snow Day," I was continually asking myself questions. Questions like, is this movie about a snow day? A struggling weather forecaster? An overworked mother? A hapless teenage crush? Or perhaps the film was a portrayal of what happens when people are required to spend time together--taking the shape of a family comedy? In that case, we would need more information about each of the characters, so that we could care about them. Whatever the case may be, we still need a conflict in the story. Here, I wondered if the conflict was about a mother who couldn't get to work, a teenager who can't overcome fear to communicate with the girl of his dreams, or a horrible snow plow driver destroying the children's chance at having another snow day. With so many unanswered questions, an adolescent should rather spend time at school learning answers instead of wasting a valuable snow day away in the theater of "Snow Day" with their hands up waiting for answers that will never come.
Brought to you by Paramount Pictures.
OK, it's not great art and there's a lot of wasted energy in this one but it's got a lot of your basic kid themes with some good performers. I liked Zena Gray who plays the little girl in the piece and Emmanuelle Chriqui is stunning as the high school hottie. Chevy Chase does his best in a reserve role and you've got to love the rubbery Iggy Pop as the human target, principal Zellwegger. Too bad, there's not more of him in this flick. Oh, there's plenty I didn't care for--for one, Jean Smart's role as the busy mother who suddenly discovers her fat little son. All thanks to the power of snow! But, hey--you can't make a silk purse...
Sometimes a truly terrible movie can fail in its target genre, such as horror or romance, but succeed as a comedy. They're "so bad they're good". Movies that are intended to be comedies have no such luck. When they fall flat, they just lie there and stink. SNOW DAY is such a movie. It's truly not funny, and as a result is an insipid, unfunny film. Avoid.
Key Words: Cute / Kid Flic / So-So
There are some belly laughs for the adults in this one, and a plethora of snowball attack and "fart joke" situations that the kids in the audience all loved. But the plot was not as deep as the snow, and I longed for some more good situations that could have been worked into the action. All in all it was a light diversion with some cute kids and one nasty, dirty, "snow-plow man" that was more comic strip than reality.
There are some belly laughs for the adults in this one, and a plethora of snowball attack and "fart joke" situations that the kids in the audience all loved. But the plot was not as deep as the snow, and I longed for some more good situations that could have been worked into the action. All in all it was a light diversion with some cute kids and one nasty, dirty, "snow-plow man" that was more comic strip than reality.
I saw Snow Day not expecting too much, but getting even less than I thought. It is a incredibly stupid, unfunny and almost saddening kids movie (any movie where they have the great punk man Iggy Pop into classical music and wearing a neckbrace is a sacrilege). The film follows a kid (Mark Webber) who wants a popular girl (who is one of the hottest real teen girls I've seen in a while) on a day when all the schools are closed. Not the worst romantic plot, but with kids fighting against a maniacal snowplowman who is embodied by a overacted Chris Elliot. A terrible movie which kids could like or hate depending though the parents are definate, which if you think is helped by7 Chevy Chase should sometime rent Caddyshack or Vacation. D
- Quinoa1984
- Dec 12, 2000
- Permalink
How can you not enjoy this movie? The makers of Nickelodeon's "Adventures of Pete and Pete" strike gold again. Hilarious, with a particularly humorous performance on the part of Claire's dumb boyfriend.
If you have a sense of humor, and if you remember being a child, you should like this movie. If you don't laugh even once at this, check yourself because you may be dead inside that adult body.
If you have a sense of humor, and if you remember being a child, you should like this movie. If you don't laugh even once at this, check yourself because you may be dead inside that adult body.
- kos5f@virginia.edu
- Oct 5, 2002
- Permalink
SNOW DAY is an almost magical term for kids, and anyone else who experienced these words in their youth, certainly can relate. The problem with this movie unfortunately, is that it takes on way too many plot complications than the script can handle. In doing so, the setting up of each plot takes time, and this is not good for an approximately 90 minute movie. The effect of all of this is tedium in many parts. If the script had been less ambitious, SNOW DAY would have been a much better movie.
Kudos have to be mentioned for the cast, and there were some very funny moments indeed. I must also congratulate the makers for some rather inspired casting choices. My favorite, above and beyond, has to be Iggy Pop playing the ice rink owner/DJ, who plays nothing but Al Martino(!) over the speakers. The graffiti in the bathroom gag was pretty good, too. Chris Elliott, in a DELIVERANCE mountain man motivated performance, is very comical as the sadistic "Snow plow" man.
However, these are not enough to keep this flick afloat. The very young ones might appreciate the humor and situations. For the rest of us though, it sinks under the weight of its script, leaving us to drift haplessly in the dull drink.
Kudos have to be mentioned for the cast, and there were some very funny moments indeed. I must also congratulate the makers for some rather inspired casting choices. My favorite, above and beyond, has to be Iggy Pop playing the ice rink owner/DJ, who plays nothing but Al Martino(!) over the speakers. The graffiti in the bathroom gag was pretty good, too. Chris Elliott, in a DELIVERANCE mountain man motivated performance, is very comical as the sadistic "Snow plow" man.
However, these are not enough to keep this flick afloat. The very young ones might appreciate the humor and situations. For the rest of us though, it sinks under the weight of its script, leaving us to drift haplessly in the dull drink.
This film is definitely aimed at young children but being a young at heart adult, I really enjoyed it too. Chevy chase is a true icon and though he only had a small part, it was a pleasure to watch another magnificent performance. I never had a snow day so I can only imagine how much fun I would've had but these kids sure had a good adventure. A wonderful family film that can be enjoyed by all ages. The film is about a boy who is looking for true love and maybe he didn't have to look too far. A young girl who will try anything to get that extra snow day and a meteorologist who just wants the like light he so much deserves. Quality
- mrandmrscoleman1
- Sep 8, 2012
- Permalink
...you will probably like this movie. In fact, in many ways it feels like a 3-part long Pete & Pete episode, though I wish it was made when it was originally intended (1995-1997) instead of years later. The reason I say that is that the dynamic of the show is intact, but the actors in all the roles are changed, which doesn't feel right.
The dynamic is there because it is a whimsical/goofy/nostalgic story of misadventures and days in the lives of teenagers. You have the younger brother (just like the show) and the best friend who just happens to be female (also in the show). Also, much of the story is told in a similar form of voiceovers like in the show (which harken back to Jean Sheppard and Christmas Story) that feel like its a 30 something year old feeling nostalgia of his youth. Lastly, two key character actors from Pete & Pete are cast in this film, which is certainly a plus, though I wish there were more.
Like the show there is a villain/bully/nemesis that kind of reminds me of Endless Mike, but he is a bit more over the top and less comedic, which is to the detriment of the movie. Of course the movie fleshed out the dad's life more than in the show, which is to be expected when they cast a star like Chevy Chase as the dad. Unfortunately "Little Pete" is not developed enough as a character in this movie, as he was some of the best comic relief in the TV show. If you have seen Pete & Pete before this movie, then sadly you will also be able to predict how it ends, its like the writers wanted to end the "will they or wont they" open ended nature of big Pete's relationship with his "friend that is a girl, but not a girlfriend".
All in all, if you've seen Pete & Pete the TV show then I recommend seeing this for completion's sake. You get the feeling the writers really wanted this to be a grand send-off of the show, as a feature length film is no better way to celebrate a successful cult show run. Now only if they would make new episodes of Pete & Pete like they've done with other 90s shows, then I would be happy!
The dynamic is there because it is a whimsical/goofy/nostalgic story of misadventures and days in the lives of teenagers. You have the younger brother (just like the show) and the best friend who just happens to be female (also in the show). Also, much of the story is told in a similar form of voiceovers like in the show (which harken back to Jean Sheppard and Christmas Story) that feel like its a 30 something year old feeling nostalgia of his youth. Lastly, two key character actors from Pete & Pete are cast in this film, which is certainly a plus, though I wish there were more.
Like the show there is a villain/bully/nemesis that kind of reminds me of Endless Mike, but he is a bit more over the top and less comedic, which is to the detriment of the movie. Of course the movie fleshed out the dad's life more than in the show, which is to be expected when they cast a star like Chevy Chase as the dad. Unfortunately "Little Pete" is not developed enough as a character in this movie, as he was some of the best comic relief in the TV show. If you have seen Pete & Pete before this movie, then sadly you will also be able to predict how it ends, its like the writers wanted to end the "will they or wont they" open ended nature of big Pete's relationship with his "friend that is a girl, but not a girlfriend".
All in all, if you've seen Pete & Pete the TV show then I recommend seeing this for completion's sake. You get the feeling the writers really wanted this to be a grand send-off of the show, as a feature length film is no better way to celebrate a successful cult show run. Now only if they would make new episodes of Pete & Pete like they've done with other 90s shows, then I would be happy!
I said it before and I'll say it again, the words "family comedy" doesn't always have to translate into "lamebrain fluff." Just look at the success of "Shrek" and you'll see what I mean. Now THAT'S a film with wit and intelligence behind its silly humor, and that's why it works for both kids and adults. So I'm no longer going to say, "Hey, it's a family film. What do you expect?" Maybe all you parents out there are willing to lower your cinematic standards to please your young ones, but I sure as hell ain't.
After watching that horrible, disastrous, disgusting, mindless comedy "Good Burger" (and you wonder why children's IQs are getting lower and lower by the second), I promised I would never watch another film produced by Nickelodeon EVER again! Well, being that I'm also an open-minded moviegoer I decided "What the heck?" when I spotted this movie on the racks of my local West Coast Video.
The first thirty minutes are UNBEARABLE!!! I had extreme difficulty watching it straight-through. My thumb was itching for the "Stop" button like you wouldn't believe! Once they introduced the bumbling principal, I almost dropped dead. Is that the biggest cliche in the book or what??? One of my favorite comedies of all time is "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," which involves a dean of students (Jeffrey Students) bumbling around like an ape, but was he stupid? No. He was just clumsy and had very bad luck. Here, we have a stupid principal who bumbles (predictably) around, and the kids throw snowballs at him. I know that kids hate their principals (Hell, I didn't like mine all that much either), but I think it's the portrayal of adults that ticks me off. It's always a cliche in kiddie flicks for the adults to be complete morons, since it's from their point of view. And since they hate principals even more, we have to make that person the biggest idiot on the face of the planet. One of those tired cliches that you just want to beat the hell out of the screenwriters for using.
To add to our list of tired cliches, we have the inevitable romantic subplot. But I will say, that chick who played the love interest was HOT HOT HOT!! Like in all these stories, she's going with this airhead jock who makes you wonder, "What did she see in him in the first place?" And the guy who has a major crush on her (Mark Webber) and supposedly seems invisible to her has this clingy female friend who clicks with him one hundred-percent and has the hots for him, but just doesn't know how to reveal it to him. It's no mystery how this is going to turn out.
One critic made a good point. This is one film where you actually want MORE of Chevy Chase. He makes a few appearances as a competitive TV weatherman. Chase hasn't exactly been in his prime. His last work was a supporting role in the low-budget comedy "Dirty Work" with Norm McDonald and Artie Lange. A movie I still enjoy as a guilty pleasure, but let's face it...it wasn't a box office success, like many of Chevy's previous movies. However, he's still a fine comedian and knows how to deliver a joke. This is one of Chevy's (recent) works, where you're actually begging to see more of him on screen. Chris Elliott wasn't that funny as the Snowplow Man (though I wouldn't exactly blame him), but I appreciate his effort. Elliott is usually the kind of comic actor who can be funny if given a good script, but obnoxious if given a bad one. Here, he's in the borderline. He doesn't try to ham it up as much as, say, he did in that annoying role in "Scary Movie 2." Some of the kids were much more annoying than him. I actually wanted him to run those little ba**ards down with his plow.
OK, enough with the negative. I'm not giving this film a high recommendation, but I found it amazingly innocuous (once it passed the 30-minute mark) for a Nickelodeon-produced flick. Of course, we could've done without that recurring gag involving the fat kid farting (it seems like anytime there's an obese character in a kiddie flick, he has to be the butt--no pun intended--of all the flatulence jokes), but as a general rule I found it to be a surprisingly smooth ride the rest of the way. I still received only the occasional "Ha" as the film continued to progress, but at least I wasn't grumbling like I was at first. All the story arcs are resolved in a predictable manner, but not in a way in which you're torchered by the obvious cliches.
"Snow Day" is not a film I'd recommend for the 18 and older crowd, but if you're an adult with children who eat up this kind of fluff, it's moderately easy to take. Just let the kids watch the first 30 minutes by themselves, then decide to join them on the couch.
My score: 5 (out of 10)
After watching that horrible, disastrous, disgusting, mindless comedy "Good Burger" (and you wonder why children's IQs are getting lower and lower by the second), I promised I would never watch another film produced by Nickelodeon EVER again! Well, being that I'm also an open-minded moviegoer I decided "What the heck?" when I spotted this movie on the racks of my local West Coast Video.
The first thirty minutes are UNBEARABLE!!! I had extreme difficulty watching it straight-through. My thumb was itching for the "Stop" button like you wouldn't believe! Once they introduced the bumbling principal, I almost dropped dead. Is that the biggest cliche in the book or what??? One of my favorite comedies of all time is "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," which involves a dean of students (Jeffrey Students) bumbling around like an ape, but was he stupid? No. He was just clumsy and had very bad luck. Here, we have a stupid principal who bumbles (predictably) around, and the kids throw snowballs at him. I know that kids hate their principals (Hell, I didn't like mine all that much either), but I think it's the portrayal of adults that ticks me off. It's always a cliche in kiddie flicks for the adults to be complete morons, since it's from their point of view. And since they hate principals even more, we have to make that person the biggest idiot on the face of the planet. One of those tired cliches that you just want to beat the hell out of the screenwriters for using.
To add to our list of tired cliches, we have the inevitable romantic subplot. But I will say, that chick who played the love interest was HOT HOT HOT!! Like in all these stories, she's going with this airhead jock who makes you wonder, "What did she see in him in the first place?" And the guy who has a major crush on her (Mark Webber) and supposedly seems invisible to her has this clingy female friend who clicks with him one hundred-percent and has the hots for him, but just doesn't know how to reveal it to him. It's no mystery how this is going to turn out.
One critic made a good point. This is one film where you actually want MORE of Chevy Chase. He makes a few appearances as a competitive TV weatherman. Chase hasn't exactly been in his prime. His last work was a supporting role in the low-budget comedy "Dirty Work" with Norm McDonald and Artie Lange. A movie I still enjoy as a guilty pleasure, but let's face it...it wasn't a box office success, like many of Chevy's previous movies. However, he's still a fine comedian and knows how to deliver a joke. This is one of Chevy's (recent) works, where you're actually begging to see more of him on screen. Chris Elliott wasn't that funny as the Snowplow Man (though I wouldn't exactly blame him), but I appreciate his effort. Elliott is usually the kind of comic actor who can be funny if given a good script, but obnoxious if given a bad one. Here, he's in the borderline. He doesn't try to ham it up as much as, say, he did in that annoying role in "Scary Movie 2." Some of the kids were much more annoying than him. I actually wanted him to run those little ba**ards down with his plow.
OK, enough with the negative. I'm not giving this film a high recommendation, but I found it amazingly innocuous (once it passed the 30-minute mark) for a Nickelodeon-produced flick. Of course, we could've done without that recurring gag involving the fat kid farting (it seems like anytime there's an obese character in a kiddie flick, he has to be the butt--no pun intended--of all the flatulence jokes), but as a general rule I found it to be a surprisingly smooth ride the rest of the way. I still received only the occasional "Ha" as the film continued to progress, but at least I wasn't grumbling like I was at first. All the story arcs are resolved in a predictable manner, but not in a way in which you're torchered by the obvious cliches.
"Snow Day" is not a film I'd recommend for the 18 and older crowd, but if you're an adult with children who eat up this kind of fluff, it's moderately easy to take. Just let the kids watch the first 30 minutes by themselves, then decide to join them on the couch.
My score: 5 (out of 10)
- mattymatt4ever
- Aug 22, 2001
- Permalink
- leighabc123
- Jul 4, 2007
- Permalink
My family & I looked forward to seeing this movie for weeks. When we did we were disappointed but I couldn't say exactly why. We saw it again on video and figured out why it was poor: There wasn't a major plot! Instead, it had at least five subplots that added up to less than one major plot. Other than Chris Elliott's and Chevy Chase's poor acting (their characters were pretty stupid), the acting and characters were pretty good. My 9 & 13 year old girls thought it was boring. It's a shame they couldn't have spent a little more time and money writing a story, instead of spending it all on advertising.
- bullard-ski
- Dec 23, 2000
- Permalink
The movie is very childish but it's made of Nickelodion so that's not very strange. For kids at age 7-12. I only watched it for one reason...Chilli from TLC is in it!:) But it's a well done movie if you are a child...
- miss_nicole
- Feb 8, 2002
- Permalink
Snow Day (2000) is a movie that I recently rewatched on HBOMAX. The storyline follows a meteorologist in heavy competition with the other local meteorologist. Meanwhile the kids in town are desperately waiting for a snow day so they can enjoy a day off from school. The meteorologists compete to be the first one to identify and report a snow day and once it's arrives, the neighborhood kids start a series of hijinks.
This movie is directed by Chris Koch (A Guy Thing) and stars Chevy Chase (National Lampoon's Vacation), Chris Elliott (Scary Movie 2), Jean Smart (Watchmen), Pam Grier (Coffy), Iggy Pop (Cry-Baby), John Schneider (Dukes of Hazard) and Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas (Marshall).
I really loved the cast of this movie and this is way more entertaining than it gets credit for. This has a National Lampoons feel to it in a lot of ways. The kids and their storyline is a bit cheesy, but the forts, the "begging you" scenes and sledding sequences were awesome. Chase was hilarious and the various hijinks bring a smile to your face.
Overall, this movie is cheesy but fun. I would score this a 7-7.5/10 and definitely recommend seeing it once.
This movie is directed by Chris Koch (A Guy Thing) and stars Chevy Chase (National Lampoon's Vacation), Chris Elliott (Scary Movie 2), Jean Smart (Watchmen), Pam Grier (Coffy), Iggy Pop (Cry-Baby), John Schneider (Dukes of Hazard) and Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas (Marshall).
I really loved the cast of this movie and this is way more entertaining than it gets credit for. This has a National Lampoons feel to it in a lot of ways. The kids and their storyline is a bit cheesy, but the forts, the "begging you" scenes and sledding sequences were awesome. Chase was hilarious and the various hijinks bring a smile to your face.
Overall, this movie is cheesy but fun. I would score this a 7-7.5/10 and definitely recommend seeing it once.
- kevin_robbins
- Dec 12, 2022
- Permalink
One time, during my intermediate school days, as it was getting close to the Christmas holidays, I got to see "Snow Day" at an assembly in the gym. (It's not a Christmas movie, but obviously still a winter movie.) If it wasn't for that assembly, I probably would have never even heard of the film to this day! I was in my early teens at the time, and can't remember exactly what I thought of the movie, but I might have enjoyed it just a tiny bit (I know I wasn't extremely bored, wondering when it was going to be over). It's been nearly seven years, and out of curiosity, I finally just watched this movie again, and this time, I know for sure that I didn't like it.
It has been an incredibly warm winter in Syracuse, New York, until one night, when so much snow comes that school is cancelled the next day! Since the kids have the day off, they can go out and play in the snow, but unfortunately, the one they know as "Snowplowman" (a very nasty, self-centred man with bad teeth, who seems to care for nobody, other than his pet bird, who rides around with him in his snow plow) is out to make their lives miserable! Natalie Brandston is the leader of a group of elementary school students who are on a challenging mission to steal the snow plow from this man, so they can keep their school closed! Meanwhile, Natalie's teenage brother, Hal, attempts to score with Claire Bonner, something which so many other guys at his school wish to do!
This movie is a comedy, but when I watched it a second time, I didn't laugh once (I don't even recall laughing at all the first time). I felt that at least the scenes with the school principal being pelted with snowballs everywhere he goes should have made me laugh, but they didn't. There are some things in the movie which many (including me) would find somewhat annoying, such as the disgusting sounds that Roger the Snowplowman sometimes makes, and the constant farts of a boy in Natalie's group. The teen romance part is also done rather poorly, basically fitting in with the rest of the film. Both the plot and the sub-plot are ridiculous! Overall, I found "Snow Day" simply boring, and some parts sort of made me feel like an idiot for watching it at my age (nearly 21)!
Since most of this movie wasn't TOO bad for me, I won't give it any less than a 5/10, even though I gave "Big Fat Liar" the same rating, and thought it was better than this film. However, if I hadn't been shown "Snow Day" at school, meaning that I would probably still be unaware of its existence after all these years (like I said), it certainly wouldn't have been a great loss. I have no doubt in my mind that many kids would like this movie (which is a good thing, since it was made for them), but I wouldn't be surprised if I heard a bunch of kids say they didn't like it. So, I would say that it just might be worth a try for kids, but for those in their adolescent years or beyond, there's very little (if anything) to like. There might even be a good chance that you would think less of it than I do!
It has been an incredibly warm winter in Syracuse, New York, until one night, when so much snow comes that school is cancelled the next day! Since the kids have the day off, they can go out and play in the snow, but unfortunately, the one they know as "Snowplowman" (a very nasty, self-centred man with bad teeth, who seems to care for nobody, other than his pet bird, who rides around with him in his snow plow) is out to make their lives miserable! Natalie Brandston is the leader of a group of elementary school students who are on a challenging mission to steal the snow plow from this man, so they can keep their school closed! Meanwhile, Natalie's teenage brother, Hal, attempts to score with Claire Bonner, something which so many other guys at his school wish to do!
This movie is a comedy, but when I watched it a second time, I didn't laugh once (I don't even recall laughing at all the first time). I felt that at least the scenes with the school principal being pelted with snowballs everywhere he goes should have made me laugh, but they didn't. There are some things in the movie which many (including me) would find somewhat annoying, such as the disgusting sounds that Roger the Snowplowman sometimes makes, and the constant farts of a boy in Natalie's group. The teen romance part is also done rather poorly, basically fitting in with the rest of the film. Both the plot and the sub-plot are ridiculous! Overall, I found "Snow Day" simply boring, and some parts sort of made me feel like an idiot for watching it at my age (nearly 21)!
Since most of this movie wasn't TOO bad for me, I won't give it any less than a 5/10, even though I gave "Big Fat Liar" the same rating, and thought it was better than this film. However, if I hadn't been shown "Snow Day" at school, meaning that I would probably still be unaware of its existence after all these years (like I said), it certainly wouldn't have been a great loss. I have no doubt in my mind that many kids would like this movie (which is a good thing, since it was made for them), but I wouldn't be surprised if I heard a bunch of kids say they didn't like it. So, I would say that it just might be worth a try for kids, but for those in their adolescent years or beyond, there's very little (if anything) to like. There might even be a good chance that you would think less of it than I do!
- Beta_Gallinger
- Aug 17, 2007
- Permalink
I'll give this movie a 6 because half of it was entertaining. Parts of this movie were very funny. The little boy was very funny and the snowplowman was an interesting and amusing character. Chevy Chase was funny as a weather man, but the weather man war was kind of lame. They could have had a better and more entertaining battle. The teen love story just ate up too much time and seemed artificial. The snowmobile chase was a poor attempt to insert some action to keep the viewer awake. I would guess children would like this. It's silly fun. There are no explosions, nobody count, no nudity (but Claire is hot), and no foul language. All the essential ingredients that make bad movies popular are missing.
While this is not a horrible movie, it sure was dull and uninspired--with very limp writing and nothing really to recommend it. Now the kids might have a different reaction, but my daughter who also saw it with me also felt the film was amazingly dull and uninteresting. On top of a weak script and totally forgettable characters, the sight of seeing Chris Elliot on a big screen with his nasty-looking green-brown teeth is something I cannot erase from my mind (no matter how hard I try). In fact, while I actually liked Elliot in his show GET A LIFE, since then I have really started to re-assess him in my mind. SNOW DAY and his awful CABIN BOY are making me hate the sight of him.
This film is not nearly as watchable as Nick's later BIG FAT LIAR or even (choke, choke) GOOD BURGER!!!
This film is not nearly as watchable as Nick's later BIG FAT LIAR or even (choke, choke) GOOD BURGER!!!
- planktonrules
- Jan 19, 2007
- Permalink
This is a totally enjoyable film for people of all ages from the
creators of the brilliant Adventures of Pete and Pete. The writers
have a great sense of childhood and write with a sense of
nostalgia that gives the film its broad appeal. It follows the same
formula of their show with a pair of quirky siblings and narration
supplied by the older brother. I like the device of the film taking
place over one eventful day. All the young actors are wonderful and
feel like real kids and Chevy Chase and Chris Elliott are quite
funny. Also some cool cameos.
creators of the brilliant Adventures of Pete and Pete. The writers
have a great sense of childhood and write with a sense of
nostalgia that gives the film its broad appeal. It follows the same
formula of their show with a pair of quirky siblings and narration
supplied by the older brother. I like the device of the film taking
place over one eventful day. All the young actors are wonderful and
feel like real kids and Chevy Chase and Chris Elliott are quite
funny. Also some cool cameos.
- fuldamobil
- May 28, 2002
- Permalink
Snow Day is on TV at least once a year usually around late November or early December, and I try to watch it each time. It's a good movie and I think it's a bit underrated. There are 3 sub plots throughout, each one is entertaining in its own right but my favourite by far is Hal's crush on Claire even tho his best friend, Lane, is the one who really likes him. Both girls are super cute and Hal is likeable so it comes together nicely.
It's worth pointing out the star studded cameos in this movie. We have Chevy Chase as a weatherman reporter, Iggy Pop who runs the ice rink, and Chris Elliot as the plow man, who is the movies main villain. It's unusual to see these three guys in a film like this but they're funny and it works out ok.
One last thing. The movie poster is very misleading. We have a kid raising his hand in the air on the cover and then all our main characters in the background. You could arguably take Claire off the cover and replace her with the little sisters' friend or friends, who have big roles in the movie, and the kid raising his hand in the air is Hal's friend, who is hardly in the movie at all and his name I can't ever remember, should not be on the main cover of this poster. Also not sure why Chevy Chase's head is buried in the snow like he's a bad guy or something, it's also misleading. End of my rant lol.
It's worth pointing out the star studded cameos in this movie. We have Chevy Chase as a weatherman reporter, Iggy Pop who runs the ice rink, and Chris Elliot as the plow man, who is the movies main villain. It's unusual to see these three guys in a film like this but they're funny and it works out ok.
One last thing. The movie poster is very misleading. We have a kid raising his hand in the air on the cover and then all our main characters in the background. You could arguably take Claire off the cover and replace her with the little sisters' friend or friends, who have big roles in the movie, and the kid raising his hand in the air is Hal's friend, who is hardly in the movie at all and his name I can't ever remember, should not be on the main cover of this poster. Also not sure why Chevy Chase's head is buried in the snow like he's a bad guy or something, it's also misleading. End of my rant lol.
- burnzyburns
- Nov 27, 2020
- Permalink
I have read every review on the IMDB about this film, and the results are 50/50. Half say it was miserable, half say "family fun". If you have not yet viewed this and are relying on reviews to guide you, please allow me to help you on making a decision.
The plot revolves around a snow storm hitting Syracuse during an unseasonaly warm winter. During the following 24 hrs., the people in the town (More so the kid than the adults) go on seperate quests- Weatherman Chevy Chase tries to prove that he is a better weather man then the local town celebrity; Jean Smart tries to balance an off-site meeting and her toddler brat; the school loser tries to school with the school babe after her jock boyfriend dumps her, while also trying to prevent the aforementioned jock from murdering him; And lastly the "heroine", a third grade girl, sister of aforementioned loser, tries to stop a snowplow driver from plowing the streets.
And now, the anaysis.
The blunt truth: 99.9% stupid kids stuff, .1% inside jokes aimed at adults.
Every adult in the movie, except perhaps for Chevy Chase, is portrayed as cold and with character flaws. The principal, whose sole purpose in the movie is getting hit with a barrage of snowballs in every scene, is the stereotypical "mean guy" who dances around in his shorts and laughs at the kids when it is 70 degrees in January, and is portrayed just as kids would portray their principal in a story- one dimensional and mean because he is the principal. Jean Smart is a fourth grader's conception of a mom who works at a large company- never any time for them, always on the phone. She, like the principal, is portrayed as a child would write the part. No sympathy is ever given to the fact she is a struggling career woman. Her role is seen only from a child's point of view. Perhaps the worst adult role in the movie is Chris Elliot's "Snowplow Man". He is portrayed, once again, like a child would write- the evil man who drives the snowplow. Not a second thought is given to the fact he is employed, paid, to drive that snow plow. He is seen as a one dimensional "mean guy" who doesn't want there to be a second snow day.
Meanwhile, all the children in the film are portrayed as modern-day heroes, gallant generation Xers who are trapped in a cruel world. We are meant to sympathize with the loser, who wants a date with the school babe, supposed to identify with wanting a second snow day, supposed to remember what it was like competing with the bully. But you honestly can't, because, as said before, the entire movie is aimed for a kid, from a kid. Perhaps the worst evidence of this is the ongoing "adults are uncool" treatment that is becoming sickening as it spreads through youth and movies. I myself am only 16, and find some things from the so-called "adult world" enjoyable, but I find my classmates have an automatic prejudice at the mere mention of "Audrey Hepburn", or the dreaded, 'almighty evil' "Garth Brooks". This movie is no different- the local skating rink is run by a man who plays 1940's and 1950's dance music to accompany the skaters. Of course, the skaters are all portrayed as falling asleep because of bordem and having accidents at the rink. We're supposed to cheer when the kids hijack the booth and start playing loud 90's rock music. I was disgusted. This is Nickelodean, the popular kids network, and they are doing no better in teaching kids that adults are bad people. If you want a good family movie with fun that doesn't completely destroy adult aspects, for the love of humanity, see Stuart Little, or rent a Disney movie.
The plot revolves around a snow storm hitting Syracuse during an unseasonaly warm winter. During the following 24 hrs., the people in the town (More so the kid than the adults) go on seperate quests- Weatherman Chevy Chase tries to prove that he is a better weather man then the local town celebrity; Jean Smart tries to balance an off-site meeting and her toddler brat; the school loser tries to school with the school babe after her jock boyfriend dumps her, while also trying to prevent the aforementioned jock from murdering him; And lastly the "heroine", a third grade girl, sister of aforementioned loser, tries to stop a snowplow driver from plowing the streets.
And now, the anaysis.
The blunt truth: 99.9% stupid kids stuff, .1% inside jokes aimed at adults.
Every adult in the movie, except perhaps for Chevy Chase, is portrayed as cold and with character flaws. The principal, whose sole purpose in the movie is getting hit with a barrage of snowballs in every scene, is the stereotypical "mean guy" who dances around in his shorts and laughs at the kids when it is 70 degrees in January, and is portrayed just as kids would portray their principal in a story- one dimensional and mean because he is the principal. Jean Smart is a fourth grader's conception of a mom who works at a large company- never any time for them, always on the phone. She, like the principal, is portrayed as a child would write the part. No sympathy is ever given to the fact she is a struggling career woman. Her role is seen only from a child's point of view. Perhaps the worst adult role in the movie is Chris Elliot's "Snowplow Man". He is portrayed, once again, like a child would write- the evil man who drives the snowplow. Not a second thought is given to the fact he is employed, paid, to drive that snow plow. He is seen as a one dimensional "mean guy" who doesn't want there to be a second snow day.
Meanwhile, all the children in the film are portrayed as modern-day heroes, gallant generation Xers who are trapped in a cruel world. We are meant to sympathize with the loser, who wants a date with the school babe, supposed to identify with wanting a second snow day, supposed to remember what it was like competing with the bully. But you honestly can't, because, as said before, the entire movie is aimed for a kid, from a kid. Perhaps the worst evidence of this is the ongoing "adults are uncool" treatment that is becoming sickening as it spreads through youth and movies. I myself am only 16, and find some things from the so-called "adult world" enjoyable, but I find my classmates have an automatic prejudice at the mere mention of "Audrey Hepburn", or the dreaded, 'almighty evil' "Garth Brooks". This movie is no different- the local skating rink is run by a man who plays 1940's and 1950's dance music to accompany the skaters. Of course, the skaters are all portrayed as falling asleep because of bordem and having accidents at the rink. We're supposed to cheer when the kids hijack the booth and start playing loud 90's rock music. I was disgusted. This is Nickelodean, the popular kids network, and they are doing no better in teaching kids that adults are bad people. If you want a good family movie with fun that doesn't completely destroy adult aspects, for the love of humanity, see Stuart Little, or rent a Disney movie.
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.