Snow Day

By NANCY CHURNIN <br><br>Overscheduled? Overstressed? Too busy and harried to pursue one's dreams? <br><br>Kids these days feel that way as much as parents do. And "Snow Day," the latest effort from

Monday, February 14th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

By NANCY CHURNIN

Overscheduled? Overstressed? Too busy and harried to pursue one's dreams?

Kids these days feel that way as much as parents do. And "Snow Day," the latest effort from Nickelodeon Movies, speaks a language they can understand.

Imagine snow coming down like a gift from heaven ? enough of it to close down school, stop work and allow you to jump off the carousel for just one day.

That's what happens to the Brandstons. Fifteen-year-old Hal (Mark Webber) enlists his best friend, Lane (Schuyler Fisk), to help him pursue the girl of his dreams, Claire Bonner (Emanuelle Chriqui). His 10-year-old sister, Natalie (Zena Grey), takes on Snowplowman (Chris Elliott), the guy who clears the snow and can bring the holiday to an end.

Little brother Randy (Connor Matheus), 4, wants more time with Mom (Jean Smart), whose business keeps her cell phone attached to her ear. And weatherman Dad (Chevy Chase) plots to beat out his rival on the other station.

The plot unravels predictably. And it's questionable the way Hal wreaks vengeance on his rival; Natalie, on Snowplowman, and everyone else, on the principal (who is constantly pursued by a barrage of snowballs).

Under the direction of Chris Koch, the film is going for cartoonish, "Home Alone"-style violence rather than for anyone's getting genuinely hurt. It's also refreshing to see a kids' movie in which a kiss is all you need to show romance.

There are contrivances aplenty ? such as why Dad goes to work while Mom is snowed in. But the young audience at the screening thought it was great.

It helps that the actors are so appealing, particularly Ms. Grey, who brings a lot of screen presence for one so young. And Ms. Fisk (Sissy Spacek's daughter) is striking in a nonglamorous way.

There's a nice little twist to the romance angle, too, although the under-10 set will find it a complete waste of time in between snowball fights.

But not to worry. There are plenty of snowballs flying. And there's extra fun with action figures coming to life and talking to Natalie, giving her courage and guidance. Those Nickelodeon people couldn't be out to sell a few toys, could they?

Not high art, but not a bad choice if you've got a snow day.