Snowball Express (1972)

Too much of everything

Absolutely Fantastic

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

um. there wasn't really anything to this film. it's almost judgment proof because how can anyone have a problem with material this unambitious and lightweight. it was pretty much commercial junk from the seventies. it probably has more in common with television of that time period than with theatrical fare. however, as usual with most of the formula Disney live action films at this time, this is a lot better than you would really think something like this would be.although the budget utilizes the same efficient cost cutting methods always used by Disney, it manages to pull in a polished, commercially slick entertainment. i mean Disney had to keep their audiences coming back so they didn't resort to a "take the money and run" approach that some low budget films and kid's films in particular often tried to get away with back then. it's not that there was much to this film, but it was a lot more engaging and funny then it should've turned out to be.there is some nice location photography here which was unusual for older Disney films of that time. most things were done "in House" utilizing their regular facilities and staff, or they shot location at the Disney Gold Oaks Ranch. the acting and characterization is a lot better than this deserves as well. the family seems sweet and likable. i've also felt Dean Jone's performances in Disney movies were underrated. a lot of this film clicks and works out nicely and competently for what it is. which it really doesn't profess to do much except pass about 93 minutes.Harry Morgan was pretty funny here. a lot of the gags involving his "old geezer" routine work and are a "old geezer" hoot. it's also nice to see Fred MacMurray's love interest from 'The Absent Minded Professor', Nancy Olsen.what really distinguishes this film as Disney fun is the fact that it strangely resembles a old 1940's Disney cartoon short with Goofy that was called 'How to Ski or Shee'. much of the slapstick gags involving ski stunts look straight out of Goofy's toon. if you also own the Goofy cartoon it makes a great companion short to this movie.there was one guy on IMDb here who claimed in his review that Dean Jones made 75 comedies for Disney. WHAT THE HEY?! no way. Disney's output in the old Burbank days were far less than most studios. Disney only released a few films a year. all the Dean Jones movies for Disney only amount to a about a dozen. geez. get your facts straight people. i guess because fans don't inform themselves much on the old Burbank studio that they don't really know much about their operations and output.this Disney film is not a great movie or a great Disney film for that matter. but it is still entertaining even after all these years. it's fun nostalgia and it's genuinely funny. most of the old Burbank studio films were. although some of the Disney live action films from the past often amounted to more than this and a good many of them were outstanding.this movie is a definite must for any Disney fan interested in the Disney archives. if just for that reason alone.

This movie is a tremendous comic force. Besides being a fun movie it does not try to get its laughs in an underhanded way- no potty jokes and no stupid sex antics. It's funny without trying to shock the viewer, as unlike so many other modern comedy movies. You are invited to laugh not forced to.This movie is for anyone who has experienced the trials of learning how to ski for the first time. This movie is especially for anyone who has been brave enough to leave the city for a rural setting, and had the insight to realize that some hard out door work and fresh air may be worth something more than money can buy

Brief synopsis: Baxter (Dean Jones) inherits a hotel in Silver Hill, Colorado and quits his New York job to take up proprietorship. Although he discovers the hotel is no longer profitable as such, he sees the potential of converting it to a ski resort. Of course, as you can guess, all sorts of humorous mishaps befall the poor man and his family before he can realise this dream.This movie was filmed on location in beautiful Crested Butte, Colorado, thinly disguised as Silver Hill. Fantastic scenery here. Crested Butte has changed a lot since this movie was made, but you can see some of the landmarks still.For many years we had only reel 2 of this movie and never could seem to find a VHS copy. To my great elation, I came across a DVD version a few weeks ago, along with a couple more of my old favourites 'Gus' & 'Big Red'. It was wonderful. They just don't make movies like this any more. I would love to see Disney do more movies like this; but I suppose they are not profitable.Now, this movie is by no means a masterpiece, but it's so much fun to watch. I like stuff like the tree made of rubber that Dean Jones gets caught on; And the double-tipped skis he (or his stunt double) wears when skiing backwards. That kid's goofy snowmobile was a riot.Even my teenage kids liked this movie. And I didn't have to worry about objectionable material like I do more recent movies (even from Disney). I figure if it makes me and my kids laugh it's worth it.I recommend you check this out if you have kids and like to watch movies with them. My rating was a 7 on this one.

So we all know that this, and every other late 60's early 70's Disney family film, were dumb as dirt. However, this one is a heck of a lot of fun. Every winter, we head up to the snowbound wilds of Northern Michigan, and watch this at my buddy's lodge. Bad movie making at it finest!