Review of Snow Cake (2006) by Kristin H — 14 Feb 2010

This just might be the lowest six I've ever given a movie. If they let you rate to the next tenth of a point, I'd probably give this a 5.6. But rounding up, have to give it a six.

This felt eons longer than its 112 minute run time, and that's probably because the only character with any energy dies within the first 10 minutes. Alan plays this role straight, and appropriately so, though the performance is nothing to rave about. Carrie Ann-Moss is just fine as well, but again, adds little energy to the mix (not to mention that entire relationship feels off, almost a distraction, or an excuse for Alan to come clean about things he can't speak about with Weaver's character). And then of course there is Sigourney Weaver. I'm torn here. Basically I just don't feel sold. The director or writer or someone in that studio invented a character that was simply impossible to re-create on screen, and Weaver tries, and tries, and tries, but fails. It's hard to watch.

She's not alone to blame for the movie's shortcomings, however. The writing, though oftentimes spot-on and humorous or sad, is just as often awkward and unconvincing. On more than two occasions, Alan and another character share a laugh that seems to come from absolutely nowhere, and feels incredibly forced. As I mentioned, his relationship with the woman next door, never actually comes through to meet up with the other parts of the story. It doesn't feel totally off-base at first, but grows to be, because it refuses to link up with the other parts of the movie.

And that's the overall problem. It never ends up to become the sum of its parts, but rather, a jumbled, awkwardly constructed, awkwardly written, and awkwardly acted little movie that just doesn't know how to tell the story it wants to tell.