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Snowball Express

(1972, Rated G, Family and kids, Starring Nancy Olson, Dean Jones, Harry Morgan)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Retro romp in the snow is more fun for parents than kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Though John Baxter is a bit of a slacker at work, who tells the token female co-worker that she has great legs, he does show some backbone in the end when he risks everything for his family.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Snowmobile race shows crashing and banging, but no violence.

  • Sexy stuff:

    A ski bunny puts the moves on Mr. Baxter, inviting him up to her room. Mr. and Mrs. Baxter kiss and lie in bed (clothed) together. When the Baxter family discusses the move to Colorado and asks their son to go to his room while the parents speak, he asks, jokingly, "What does this gotta do with sex?"

  • Language:

    "God-darn" and "shut up" are as bad as it gets.

  • Consumerism:

    The story concerns inheritance, greed, and the effect that money has on people. That said, the inheritance is a run-down ski lodge that the Baxter family gets up and running with their own hard work.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Hotel guests drink to the point of getting drunk. Some cigar smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Snowball Express

Parents need to know that this Disney classic is rather adult-centric, relying on themes of job loss, inheritance, and the struggle to survive in a new environment, for material. Kids might find the movie slow to start, but parents will enjoy the trip back in time -- when skiing was a novel new sport for swinging adults!

Read our full review by Joly Herman

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about moving to a new home. What would happen if your family uprooted and moved to a completely different environment like the Baxters did in this movie? Who would you miss? What would you look forward to?
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