Tools for this page
Print

Snowball Express

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

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    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?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Snowball Express?

  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Age 15+
    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.