Review of Snow Cake (2006) by Angie M — 21 Jul 2008
One word to describe this movie: Dazlious!
The content of "Snow Cake" gives way for high drama, but what keeps relatively lighthearted and delightful is the comedy. The scenes between Alex and Linda are a hoot. Those are truly the highlight of the movie -- from the negativity (the frustrations of Alex feeling out of his element with an Autistic combined with his guilt) to the positivity (their bonding over their common situation, and the gradual warmth seeping into Alex's grumpiness). The quirky execution and the brilliant performance by the two actors -- Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver -- put the chemistry between the actors as one of the best I've ever seen. Besides, Linda is probably one of the most realistically acted and written characterizations of autism.
Carrie Anne-Moss is delightful as a strongly independent but sensitive character. The romance between her and Alex was subtly played out and formed the turning points for both characters in their lives. I loved the slight disappointment she had with Linda's disapproval of her, but the ending of the movie does give off a positive resolution to her storyline, if albeit a slightly cheesy one. Emily Hampshire made a distinct impression in the small role she had in the beginning. Even though we don't see her for much of the rest of the movie, one could feel her presence, brought out in part by the soundtrack and partly because of the occasional references to her. The use of the sparklies is symbolic to the essence of Vivienne as well as her relationship with her mother. You just get an upbeat, hopeful aura when you see the colors of the sparklies. The music is very much in spirit of the movie, as well as the lingering influence of Vivienne.
The storyline was quite predictable sometimes, like that track with the truck driver (played by Callum Keith Rennie); it was kind of a stretch that everyone would forgive him so easily. However, that deficit is compensated by the utter sweetness with which the movie was handled.
This review of Snow Cake (2006) was written by Angie M on 21 Jul 2008.
Snow Cake has generally received positive reviews.
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