New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by going to see it celebrated in a movie? The film New Year’s Eve, directed by Garry Marshall, is almost identical to his film Valentine’s Day (anyone else sensing a theme?), complete with shallow story-lines, sappy-sweet endings and a large all-star cast. While the movie certainly won’t be winning any prizes for original material, the movie still manages to bring all that anyone would expect and would want out of such a film.
The movie starts off with a dowdy Michelle Pfeiffer, who is clearly having a bad day. Deciding her life is in desperate need of a change, she quits her job. After all, what’s a better way to bring in the New Year than with a fresh start? Assisted by an annoying yet lovable Zac Efron, Pfeiffer spends the rest of the movie crossing off resolutions one by one as the clock winds down to midnight.
This is just one of the many story lines featured in the film. Josh Duhamel searches for a once-met love, Abigail Breslin strains against her mother Sarah Jessica Parker for a little freedom, and a heart-wrenching Robert De Niro holds onto his one remaining wish, and Hilary Swank charms the audience with a beautiful speech about the meaning of New Year’s, bringing a tear and a smile to even the most cynical in the audience.
These are amongst many other cliché story lines, all featuring big-name actors. The movie entangles so many different plot lines; it does not leave much room for character development. Still, with its heart-warming messages, the movie manages to surpass its poor script.
No question, New Year’s Eve is the perfect movie to enjoy with friends, family and loved ones. Filled with beautiful shots of New York City, the visuals in the film are well-shot and show off how lovely New York can be. The film’s soundtrack is well-selected to compliment each scene, which helps generate even more warm feelings. Like movies Valentine’s Day and Love Actually, New Year’s Eve shoots for lovable romantic comedy and hits a bull’s-eye. Overall, New Year’s Eve is a fun and clichéd film, featuring many favorite stars. The story-lines are funny, even if they lack some depth, and the movie manages to faithfully channel the spirit of the holidays.
Grade: B+
