Snow Day

Snow Day

D: Chris Koch (2000); with Chevy Chase, Chris Elliott, Mark Webber, Schuyler Fisk, Iggy Pop, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Zena Grey. Most Texans can't even grasp the concept of an actual snow day. That shouldn't deter kids from this deft Nickelodeon feature. The plot centers on a group of children who are so beaten down by school (not an unrealistic premise) that they all hope for an intense snowstorm to shut down school for a day. Among them is Natalie (Grey), who needs a break from the rigors of elementary classes and her brother Hal (Webber), a semi-nerdy teen who fantasizes incessantly about his school's resident babe (Chriqui). Their dad (Chase) is the local weatherman who's a meteorological wizard with floundering ratings. As the title indicates, a massive amount of white stuff envelops the town, allowing the kids a full day of frolicking. Of course, the fun is threatened by the evil Snowplow Man (Elliott, with rotting teeth) and an insidious ice rink DJ (Pop). Unlike recent kids' films, Snow Day doesn't rely on cute animals or gimmicks. The root of the story seems to lie within the spirit of youth. From winter fun to first love, this is a modest but entertaining effort. Likewise, the performances from players young and old are delivered with honesty. Even Chase, who's yet to top his Clark Griswald character, comes across as amusing. The premise is highly unrealistic, and there are few morals to be learned. But considering that marketing tie-ins are what fuel today's kids' films, Snow Day's sense of youthful fun makes it all the more memorable.