Let It Snow

SNOW DAYS (a.k.a. LET IT SNOW) is an engaging independent film that focuses on the trials and tribulations of an aspiring cook who may--or may not--be in love with his childhood chum. Writer-producer Kipp Marcus stars as James Ellis, a young man with a problem: he wants to be happy. A snow day hits his sleepy town, so he and Sarah Milson (Alice Dylan, a dead ringer for actress Monica Keena), who are "only friends," spend a day together making snow angels and having snowball fights. Who knew that it'd be one very cherished childhood memory? The two move on from there, Sarah to college to study meteorology, James to the CIA--"Not that CIA...the Cooking Institute of America." After a Winterfest dance, the two share a kiss. Is it love? No, says Sarah, it was a "mistake." James agrees...but as narrator, he kindly lets us know that he is lying. James moves on to New York, for work as a waiter, while Sarah moves on to Oxford, James, of course, longing to be with Sarah. And when Sarah moves to New York...well, you get the idea.

Directed by Adam Marcus, whose only previous credit was the ninth installment of the FRIDAY THE 13TH film series (the one where Jason supposedly "goes to Hell"), and who must be Kipp's father, SNOW DAYS is a small film that takes a cliched situation (in film and in life) and flashes moments of wit. Title cards are shown throughout the film (one lists the total population of New Yorkers, along with the number of those in therapy; another simply says, "Spring sucks!"), and James's predicaments--suffering through cooking school, juggling three women at once, getting a job as a waiter for a catering company that (gulp!) does wedding receptions (the interview for the job itself is very funny)--make the film unique from most released today.

Look for Henry Simmons as James's friend Mitch and Miriam Shor as Sarah's psychotic college roommate Beth; both manage to steal some scenes in their respective roles. Alice Dylan is also wonderful in playing a teenage girl that matures into a successful businesswoman (when she tells James she works in ABC's marketing department, James quips, "You can market the weather?"), and Marcus, of course, displays a knack for playing a conflicted regular guy (Marcus must have enrolled in the Tom Hanks school of acting). Another scene-stealer is Bernadette Peters as James's mother Elise. A classic scene involves her analogy that James is like their orange Volvo, whose fate involved a trip to the junkyard...a car with some real potential. Isn't that life?

8/10. Predictable story but with good characterization, excellent editing, and some pretty good cinematography of New York. My favorite scene: James and psycho roomie Beth share a kiss. It's not a good one, so Beth says, "Okay, pretend I'm Sarah, I'll pretend you're Sam Shepard." The next kiss is passionate. Beth is aroused...James then pukes on her.

PS Look for the director as the "fascist French chef" at the CIA.

You never know what to expect from unknown low budget movies with unknown actors. Sometimes huge surprises can appear when you're least expected. And sometimes you can discover talented actors and directors in such movies. That happened with Snow Days. I am not a fan of romantic comedies, i have never been, but there has been something with this one that makes me say Snow Days is one of the best romantic comedies ever. And if it would've had a better budget and publicity or if it would've been shown in theaters all across the world, the movie would've been a huge hit.

What's so different about this one? Well definitely not the story, classic and predictable. But what then? Well first the characters. Better built, more realistic and believeble. Then the way it is directed, the way the story is told, and especially the way it is edited (one of the best edited movies i've seen lately). Also the actors, especially the girl about whom i heard it's her first role in a film.

Good work everybody, I'm convinced y'all will become famous one day. Cause you got everything needed to do that.

Vote: 7.5 out of 10.

This film is hilarious. I was laughing all the way through. It also brought a tear to my eyes. Snow days is a warm and very funny romantic comedey. The performances are exceptional across the board. The direction is fresh and insightful. It is not just a great date movie but a great movie period. I highly recommend it.

Snow Days is a funny, smart, sweet romantic comedy. All the actors excel -- Kip Marcus, Alice Dylan, and of course Ms. Bernadette Peters (who's still stunning 20 years after The Jerk), not to mention the many supporting faces. The script is charming; the directing is top notch. Great use of locations. New York hasn't looked this great since Woody Allen. The Marcus Brothers (Adam and Kipp)have made a fine film. Great work.

Yep, this is a formula movie. So, we will not compare it for the originality of which it has none. The actors go through the motions and make faces that could work for silent movies. The title is unique. I guess as the only time they can get together is on a snow day. This makes for a frosty relationship at best.

The story is about two people; James Ellis is played by Kipp Marcus and Sarah Milson is played by Alice Dyla. Kipp has a flat head and James has a curse. Bernadette Peters does a great job of playing the mother of James Ellis. James and Sarah have different agendas and never seen to get together an opportune time. Never a happy moment movie.

Will the curse ever be broken?