Jour blanc

Part "American Graffiti" (a few hours in the lives of several kids and the adults in their lives), part "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (fun and life's lessons learned in a day off from school), part "Groundhog's Day" (the second film in what I hope will eventually be The Weatherman Trilogy featuring Chris Elliot in quirky roles), and part "A Christmas Story" (nostalgia and snow), "Snow Day" is a slap stick comedy that doesn't take itself seriously and offers harmless fun. Something for everyone in the family. Chevy Chase and Jean Smart have fairly small roles as the parents but they are a joy to watch. Stories involving younger kids reminded my of "Our Gang", the stories involving teens reminded me of "Ferris Buelle"r. Rated PG for mischief (say what?), and the word "butt." Emmanuelle Chriqui plays the most popular girl in school who is not only drop dead gorgeous but a girl next door type who is nice to everyone. She makes a terrific role model and it's refreshing to see this aspect of her character, which in most movies would have been written as all out bad.

Having seen Schuyler Fisk as little tomboy Kristy in "The Baby-sitters' Club" five years ago, I knew Schuyler was talented. (Especially by such poor acting by the rest of the BSC cast in comparison) Even though I had my doubts about "Snow Day", I waited until it came out on DVD so I could rent it. The story involving the little kids was kind of cheesy (that is being kind) but since I'm a teenager, I won't come down too hard. The Hal / Lane story was pretty cute though. Even though it's been done, it was refreshing to see the two friends that were falling for each other in the movie really weren't super models. "Snow Day" could have easily pulled a "She's All That" trick. (The "outcasts" could be on the cover of "Seventeen" in a heartbeat) But you won't find that here. Schuyler Fisk and Mark Webber both shine without looking gorgeous or being a heartthrob. They just looked like regular kids. I wish we would find that in more films.

Since then, I've looked out for Mark Webber too. We'll see Schuyler and Mark both in the future. All in all, "Snow Day" wasn't total fluff. It's not as bad as the trailers make it seem. And if you don't like the story, at least you can end the movie listening to Schuyler's song "It's Not Her" on the closing credits. (I now officially have that song stuck in my head) The verdict: I give this a 6 out of 10.

"Snow Day" is a good family film that you should watch on a rainy day, or snowy day for that matter. Chris Elliot did a good job as "the snow plow man", and the rest of the younger cast was okay. The entertainment was good, and the acting wasn't too bad. In fact, some of the movie was funny. Overall, this is a good rainy Sunday movie. If your'e looking for a entertaining family film, you should rent this. But only take it for what it is. I give this film a 6/7 out of 10.

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.

Originally I went to see this movie because I like Jean Smart and have missed seeing her on film or on the small screen -- "Designing Women" just doesn't do it anymore.

Even though her role is not pivotal to the story line she is still great to watch.

Chris Elliot essentially reprises his role from "There's Something About Mary" as a "cosmetically impaired" misfit. While not being a great fan of Mr. Elliot he did fit this particular character perfectly.

There is a very nice ending to the movie -- predictable as it may be -- but with a very pleasant twist that is a welcome change from the usual.

Iggy Pop as a skating rink DJ that only plays romantic ballads is a great bit of casting genius -- he is so believable that you wonder if being a DJ at an ice skating rink may have been his dream job when he was younger -- he certainly has the perfect velvety tones for it.

There are few laugh-out-loud jokes here -- but there is a lot of clever writing, good acting and great characters which is what really makes a movie enjoyable after all, isn't it?