Starring Micheala Russell, Ky Baldwin, Fabi Aguirre, and Shelby Simmons
Directed by Michael Lembeck
Music and Lyrics by various
Nickelodeon began making original films in 2006, nearly a decade after their rival Disney Channel put out their first films. It was 2009 before they started making musicals, and even then, most of those were based on familiar characters or extension of their shows. This one is a remake, but not of a Nick show. Nickelodeon began a unit for theatrical films in 1996. Snow Day was their third live-action film, and their first not based after one of their properties. It was a surprise hit in 2000 despite bad reviews, but how does the story of a pair of siblings who experience one life-changing winter's afternoon look with music added? Let's begin as Natalie Brandston (Russell) explains why it's so important that snow cancels school and find out...
The Story: Natalie is frustrated because there's been no snow this year, and she wants to get out of a major test. Her brother Hal (Baldwin) wants to impress Claire (Simmons), the girl he's had a crush on for years. They both get their wishes when a freak snowstorm blasts through, closing school and everything else. Natalie spends her snow day trying to keep the kid-hating guy running the snow plow (Jerry Trainor) from getting through. Hal pursues Claire with the help of his best friend Lane (Aguirre), who has her own crush on him. Claire's boyfriend Chuck (Myles Erlick) barely knows her, but she's crazy about him. Natalie and Hal's parents Tom (Rob Huebel) and Linda (Laura Bell Bundy) attempt to make the perfect pancake for their youngest son Randy (Viggo Hanvelt).
The Song and Dance: I haven't seen the original movie, but this one does have some good points. There's a few decent numbers, including the opening with the kids in the snow and the ensemble number with the cool kids "Cake." Aguirre and Simmons come off by far the best as girl who really is interested in Hal for what he is, and the sweet ballerina he wants to change for. Some of the filming isn't bad for TV, either, especially when the kids are pursuing the man with the snow plow.
The Numbers: We open with the title song as Natale and all the local kids celebrate their first snow day on her front lawn. Claire, Chuck, and their friends sing about "Cake" at the local hang-out with the waitresses joining in. Hal insists "I Need a Sign" as he laments having accidentally dumped a milkshake on Claire and wanting her to love him. The snow plow driver grumps about "These Kids" who block him from doing his job after the snow starts. Lane wonders "What If?" Hal would see her as more than a friend. The kids all skate together in the finale as they celebrate another snow day, declaring that "The Best Is Yet To Come." We get the vigorous "Everyone Celebrate" over the credits.
What I Don't Like: Honestly, I'm not sure I'd want to spend a real-life snow day with either Natalie or Hal. Hal awkwardly chasing Claire comes off uncomfortably close to stalking at some points, especially given he knows everything about her. Natalie is a snide little brat who blackmails her teachers because she can't be bothered to study and harasses a snow plow driver who is just doing his job. She's lucky she and her two guy friends didn't get hurt or into worse trouble for their antics.
Their parents apparently had a lot more to do in the original film, including a whole subplot with their father and a rival weatherman that wasn't carried over here. (That may have had something to do with Chevy Chase playing the father in the first movie.) The songs are cute enough but not terribly memorable or enjoyable and are just kind of there. They probably could have remade this as a straight comedy without music.
The Big Finale: Fine for 8 to 12 year olds who are stuck at home on a real-life snow day, but most adults will probably be annoyed or bored.
Home Media: Seems to be streaming only at the moment. It's not currently on Paramount Plus, but can be found elsewhere.
