Maddy (JoBeth Williams) is on the verge of divorcing her husband, Matt (Michael Ontkean). After all, he cheated on her, after 14 years, so doesn't he deserve to be dumped? It's nearing December 25th and Maddy is taking her two daughters to her mother's home in Chicago, to get away from the Christmas-at-home memories. At the airport, however, the wintery weather in Minnesota is turning into a blizzard and many flights are delayed, including Maddy's, her sister Katherine's, and the young girls'. As fate would have it, Matt is also at the airport, heading in a different direction, but his flight is likewise delayed. The two of them, Matt and Maddy, have plenty of time to cross each other's paths and discuss their futures. Katherine, a single lady lawyer, also meets an attractive man in the course of the day. Then, too, an older couple (Charles Durning and Barbara Barrie) are ready to share their advice on how to make a marriage endure. Will Maddy be able, bottomline, to forgive Matt? This is a sweet film that is, surprise, mostly conversation. After all, how much physical action can take place in an airport terminal? Williams and Ontkean are quite nice as the couple on the verge of marital extinction. The rest of the cast is also fine, with Durning and Barrie a pleasure to see and hear. The costumes and sets are fairly pleasant and the production values acceptable, as befitting a low budget film. As for the film's theme of forgiveness, that is always a welcome one, especially around the December festivities. Therefore, if you like holiday films that also offer a sweet love story, this one is definitely for you. So, when the day's chores are over, curl up in the sofa, sip some hot cider, and follow this tale of love that conquers all.
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adamjohns-425754 November 2020In 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. -
mark.waltz17 November 2021I usually like Jobeth Williams but her embittered character is not exactly the epitome of grace under fire, filing for divorce against husband Michael Ontkean and signing the papers right before leaving for her Christmas vacation with their two kids and sister Dey Young. Stranded at the airport, she runs into Ontkean which brings out snide remarks from Williams, silent support towards Ontkean from his sister-in-law, and a phone call to mom Dina Merrill delaying holiday arrival and a runway accident. Holly jolly, right?
This is the problem with Christmas movies of the past 20 years or so is that they involve characters that the audience really doesn't have an opportunity to invest time into get to know. Their soap opera like stories just aren't appealing, and weak writing makes it difficult to really continue to care. Williams' character instantly loses support when she acts obnoxious in the security line at the airport, doing things that certainly would have her taken out of the line and refused boarding by the TSA.
There are some good performances in smaller roles, especially by Barbara Barrie and Charles Durning (both always worth seeing on screen), and Merrill's prim mother does get to put Williams in her place. Unfortunately, this is the type of film where the audience will instantly take sides, and Williams' character isn't exactly one that's easy to root for. Dey Young as the feisty single sister gives the audience a wink as she admonishes Ontkean for his infidelity but secretly understands because she knows how difficult her sister can be. Ontkean may have been a louse at least once in the marriage, but it's sad to say that the audience ends up rooting for him over the wronged wife. Definitely a mixed bag of Christmas coal and sooty cookies. -
trvwatson10 December 2002What a nice basic film, of course not a hollywood blockbuster, but how many xmas movies in the last 10 years have made it on to dvd like this one.
This was enjoyable enough to sit through without having to get up to fill the kettle or use the loo, and it still has a christmasy feeling about it even though its filmed almost entirely in an airport, the acting from Jobeth Williams is a little bit wooden though, not like her other more well known roles, she looks a bit bored and in need of filming to end, but the other main cast did a brilliant job, especially the two daughters. The story is basically about a couple heading for a divorce, who after taking advise from an elderly couple, that have been married for 40 years, decide to patch things up, none of this would have happened unless both there flights were delayed after a snow storm. The only real christmasy bits are of the dreadful clothes(hand knitted, granny jumpers) get the picture, and a few decorations that you don't really notice, but all in all a pleasant little film worth watching, with the kids, of course. -
Davcat24 April 2000I 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. -
Jonno-B30 May 1999It'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
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nabor724 December 2003Set 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.
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swilliams3817 December 2004I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie and look forward to it during the holidays. However, I have not found it listed this year.
It is a good movie to sit down with a hot chocolate or a cup of tea with cheese and crackers. Wrap up in the recliner with a fleece blanket and let yourself get into the movie.
The couple is going through a recent divorce and find themselves in the airport for different reasons...wife and kids to her mothers for the holiday and he also to his mothers. A huge snow storm blows through, everyone is stranded, no flights and cannot leave the airport. Both meet an elderly married couple who help them to discover the reasons they married in the first place. They find that somewhere along the way, they lost that spark...you must keep that spark and rekindle it along the way. Not only are you a married couple, but you must become best friends...otherwise, after the children grow up and away...you may find yourself with a stranger....this couple helps them discover each other all over again.
So it's a chick flick...nothing wrong with that! -
Christmas-Reviewer18 November 2015I 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.