A Chance of Snow - Una grande occasione

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.

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

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.

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.

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.