Snowmageddon

I thought based on the title and premise I knew what 'Snowmageddon' was going to be, yet for better or worse, this isn't what I was expecting. On the one hand, there's a definite sense of oneupmanship here, like someone looked at the core idea and said "Nah, it can't be JUST a magic snow globe." In no time the movie shifts from the sphere of mere fantasy (a magic item causing mayhem) to pure sci-fi disaster bluster in terms of being an effects-laden extravaganza, with some ideas included with an apparent pathos of "sure, why not." On the other hand, this disaster flick is far more paced and measured than I'd have ever assumed of SyFy fare, almost to its detriment as there's a weird lag in some moments and between discrete events. And at the same time, writer Rudy Thauberger also tries to squeeze in tabletop gaming and Greek mythology as plot ideas? I suppose I should give credit where it's due, because even if this picture doesn't meet with success, the frivolous amalgamation of disparate flavors is still original in its own curious way. It's just that there's so much going on here, a peculiar mishmash that just kind of ranges all over - yet without achieving any major notes of vibrancy, even at its most outrageous.

As much as the film rather just throws ideas at a wall to see what sticks, it's hard as a viewer to really get a grip on anything firm to hold onto in terms of the writing. I really get a sense that much the same was true for the cast, and even director Sheldon Wilson; they do the best they can with the material they're given, but 'Snowmageddon' is such a strange hodgepodge that the most anyone can hope for is to make each individual scene count rather than try to get something out of their characters or the narrative as a whole. This is true not least given the CGI that greets us in each progressive step of the fanciful catastrophe; there's only so much the best professionals can do when greeted with the quandary of reacting to imaginary nothings that will be added in post-production. Some of those digital creations look better than others, but under the circumstances, that's only saying so much.

At least the production design and art direction look nice, and the special makeup. I do actually like the varied thoughts that went into the feature, even if they don't gel together. I don't think 'Snowmageddon' is altogether awful, and I don't think there's particular blame to be laid at anyone's feet. This isn't even a problem of being a TV movie per se - but for everything that the feature tries to roll together, it's a heterogeneous kluge that never quite blends. I appreciate the effort, and the work everyone put into it. Better luck next time, I guess.

Another week, another cheesy disaster flick from the SyFy Channel, shot in Canada as many of them are and with few redeeming qualities to recommend it. This one's about a family who receive a snow globe as a gift and soon discover that whatever happens in the globe happens in real life; they're caught in blizzards, ice storms and the like, and must fight for survival.

This is the usual run-of-the-mill type production in which an imperilled family are the focus of the story. All of the family members are either boring or unlikeable, so getting excited about the precarious situations in which they find themselves is difficult indeed. SNOWMAGEDDON plays out as a series of cheesy CGI spectacles, with vehicles and homes dropping into volcanoes and the like, and none of it is believable for a second. There aren't even any old time actors down on their luck to enjoy. Plus the whole snow globe angle is introduced and then dropped with little to no explanation; it's pretty annoying.

Let's admit it, most SyFy Channel original offerings are rubbish. However, without going into the plot, 'Snowmageddon' is slightly above their usual fare with a cast that is better than average and a story line that, for the most part, holds your attention.

No improvement on the CGI though and the town of 'Normal,' where 50% of the action takes place is more reminiscent of a cluster of buildings you would find on your average farm property, than Main Street, North America, even though the story is supposed to take place in the foothills of Alaska.

All in all though, the best of a usually bad SyFy crop.

One awful disaster movie, with no explanations poor acting and clearly not worth the two hours it takes to watch it on TV. No connection is ever made to explain the connection between the snow globe and the disasters in the town, no explanation of why it was ever created or who might have brought these on the towns folk.

The viewer is clearly in danger of losing whatever intelligence they may have by watch this movie so run, don't walk away from it! Mysterious cracks show up all around the town with fire and yet there is no offer of how or why. Mysteriously trees pop out of the ground in random places that skewer folks and cars.

The most frustrating thing about this plot is the total lack of the presence of the creator of this mysterious snow globe and any reasonable explanation why it has appeared who its creator is and why all of these disasters are happening to this tiny town of Normal Alaska. It left me pulling out my hair in frustration.

There have a been a few SyFy Channel movies lately that I have really enjoyed. Snowmageddon had a very original story line which on a large scale budget could have been even better. I won't go into details of the plot since it can be read on the main page and in other reviews, but it really reminded me of something Stephen King would write, mixed with a little Lord Of The Rings for good measure.

I generally like most SyFy productions but some are better than others and Snowmageddon ranks up there with some of the best for me. I was definitely entertained for an hour and a half and have no regrets in watching this time waster.

I give it a solid B+