Though it possesses a strong sense of depth and characterization, Snow Angels ultimately proved to be too slow and blotchy to keep the attention of its viewers. Plagued by an uneventful and slow moving script, the film loses its audience, never reaching a fully fledged climax and ultimately disappointing all who have waited so long to see this supposed darling.
As a young teen in the 1970s, Don Parkinson is forced to survive some tragic events that no teen should be forced to cope with. From the constant bickering and eventual separation of his parents to the unforeseen, inhumane death of his former babysitter, everything plays a vital role in who Don has become. And now, as he has become a man, Don is forced to look back upon both events and come to the realization that each has shaped and influenced his life dramatically.
From the very beginning the viewers are sent on an intense but confusing adventure through the lives of teenager Don Parkinson and recently separated couple Glenn and Annie Marchand. And though each life is connected to the other, their acquaintances are not the driving force of the story. Instead it is the parallels that each story holds and the symbolism to the other's life.
Kate Beckinsale takes the lead in the film as Annie Marchard. And through her delivery and character interactions, Beckinsale is able to bring her emotions to the forefront, creating a character that is so uncertain of her every move that she finds it hard to cope with herself. Torn between her love for Glenn and the new man in her life, Annie is forced to make some decision, ones that will hurt those around her.
On the other side of the coin is Glenn Marchard, a troubled husband and father played by the intelligent and gifted Sam Rockwell. After attempting to kill himself, Glenn is stuck living with his parents, desperate for a job and wanting nothing more than to please Annie and be a good dad. Taking his character by storm, Rockwell uses his dialogue and actions to bring about a man who doesn't know which way to turn. Unable to find help from anyone, Glenn looks up to Kate, wanting to come back home and be the husband and dad that he always dreamed of being.
And lastly we have Griffin Dunne, who plays teen Don Parkinson. Rounding out the triad of star power performances, Griffin is able to hold his own beside Beckinsale and Rockwell as he brings a confident, maturing male to the centerfold. And through his delivery and instincts, Dunne is able to create a relatable character to the film, one that succumbs to the behavior and actions of those around him, forcing him to not only put his own life in perspective but that of those he truly loves.
And with these three amazing performances you would think that the film was a major success; however, it wasn't. Ultimately snowed under a mountain of bad dialogue, uneventful actions and un-needed plot developments, the story was just too slow to keep my interest. And when adding in the confusion that the story creates, I honestly say that this film is best suited for DVD, as you will have the needed opportunity to rewind and fast-forward at your own discretion.
