I don't think I understand people at all. I watched it despite all the bad reviews and I didn't regret it. I'm starting to think people are really bitter, it's a really sweet movie about new years and how people feel around that time of the year, it actually gave me a warm feeling, so yes, it's not a deep smart full of effects movie, but sometimes people need a movie like this, I'm all against unchallenging movies, but I don't think this was the case at all. It's the perfect new year movie, that gives you hope for the year to come and live everyday fully. The variety of characters is okay, as you get to know them enough to see a little bit of yourself in them or not,and it's really interesting to see what different people go through at that time of the year and how they feel and what they hope to change. It really is a warm,hopeful movie, at least that's the way I saw it.Sometimes we need to take a break and take a deep breath, that's the movie.
210 Reviews
Popcorn
gradyharp9 May 2012
NEW YEAR'S EVE falls into that class of films best labeled 'cute'. Lots of stories, most of little consequence, an attempt to pull everything together with the premise that new Year's Eve gives everyone a chance to make things different in the following year (the New Year's Resolution carried to the extreme), some funny jokes pushed over the edge toward silly, and a script full of holes. But the bouncing around from micro story to micro story works OK because it gives the actors involved a chance to come on set for a day or two of work and leave unstressed and financially healthy. Katherine Fugate wrote the stewed ingredient stories for Garry Marshall to stir, and the list of actors involved is staggering: Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Halle Berry, Cary Elwes, Jessica Biel, Seth Meyers , Sarah Paulson, Til Schweiger, Carla Gugino, Katherine Heigl, Jon Bon Jovi, Sofía Vergara, Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Abigail Breslin, Josh Duhamel, Larry Miller, Penny Marshall, Cherry Jones, Hilary Swank, Ludicrous, Hector Elizondo, Ryan Seacrest, Matthew Broderick, John Lithgow and more.
This is a razzle dazzle movie with some good moments, improbable though they mostly are, and a nice mindless evening to enjoy popcorn. Enter with low expectations and take it for what it is - entertainment.
Grady Harp
This is a razzle dazzle movie with some good moments, improbable though they mostly are, and a nice mindless evening to enjoy popcorn. Enter with low expectations and take it for what it is - entertainment.
Grady Harp
The New Chick Flick Formula
SnoopyStyle25 September 2013
Director Garry Marshall delivers what Hollywood thinks is the new chick flick formula. Take a holiday, add a whole bunch of stars, and put them in separate plot lines that are related in the least important ways. This one is set on New Year's Eve in New York city. Kim (Sarah Jessica Parker) is the concerned single mother of Hailey (Abigail Breslin) who wants to kiss the boy at midnight. Chef Laura (Katherine Heigl) is cooking a corporate New year's Eve party, and her ex Jensen (Jon Bon Jovi) is singing at the party. Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) quits her job and asks Paul (Zac Efron) to help fulfill her resolutions.
I could keep go on for a half dozen more plot lines. There is one where Randy (Ashton Kutcher) who gets stuck in an elevator with Elise (Lea Michele). At least they seem to have some chemistry. This is not a good movie. It's a sad day when this calculated series of movies continues. This is a formula that deserves to die.
I could keep go on for a half dozen more plot lines. There is one where Randy (Ashton Kutcher) who gets stuck in an elevator with Elise (Lea Michele). At least they seem to have some chemistry. This is not a good movie. It's a sad day when this calculated series of movies continues. This is a formula that deserves to die.
'New Year's Eve' felt mechanical and forced, a project merely designed for profit. This is rather a 118 minute tourist video about how wonderful The Big Apple is
the_upcoming7 December 2011
After his last holiday-themed box-office smash Valentine's Day in 2010, director Garry Marshall has carbon-copied the exact same formula for his latest film New Year's Eve which uses its gigantic ensemble cast to document various different relationships and states of emotions over the course of a single day and night in New York City.
The story lines include: a couple awaiting the birth of their child, two people who become trapped together in an elevator and a gentleman who is trying to enjoy his last New Year's Eve on earth as he sadly lays on his deathbed.
Much like Valentine's Day, Marshall's latest film seems to forget the importance of character development and indeed sure-footed narrative; these films feel like the audience are watching Ashton Kutcher flirt with Lea Michele, or Zac Efron helping Michelle Pfeiffer, which – in all honesty – they are. Never are viewers able to break away from the celebrities portraying these supposed characters, which cause great issues when trying to build and present emotion.
The film also has some bizarre cast members, including the incredibly pointless Jon Bon Jovi who slinks about, and may as well be promoting a new Greatest Hits album when he enters the frame. Stars like Halle Berry and Robert De Niro are incredibly redundant here, even though they do benefit from moderate screen-time. Performers like De Niro are worthy of a solid script and something more important to do rather than just stand around holding a theoretical sign saying 'And Robert De Niro'.
Contrary to the opinion of the majority of critics (or males), 'Valentine's Day' was yes fluffy, gooey and forgettable two hours, but also entertaining. It did try very slightly to be different – with a gay romance amongst other things – and whilst this was all still "Hollywood", there were far worse movies released in 2010.
To be fair to 'New Year's Eve', it is not amongst the worst of the year. This might be due to the fact that most of the audience had or have extremely low expectations upon arrival. Expecting a film to be bad makes it all the less painful if the final product is indeed poor and consequently, makes it seem much better than it truly is if a viewer is not disappointed.
'New Year's Eve' felt mechanical and forced, a project merely designed for profit – there is no love nor compassion, no credibility nor realism. This is rather a 118 minute tourist video about how wonderful The Big Apple is, and how beautiful the people who reside in it are. Throw in disgusting amounts of product placement and an old rock star, and hey, you've got a $100 million motion picture! Spend your £8 at the cinema this Christmas on a film that gives like 'Hugo' rather than this, and save the holiday romances for 'Love Actually' on DVD with the family or partner.
Verdict: It is better if Marshall does not attempt to make another movie about a commercial holiday again. If we see a trailer with Kutcher dressed as the Easter Bunny for love next year, run for your life.
For more The Upcoming reviews http://www.theupcoming.co.uk/category/culture/cinema/
The story lines include: a couple awaiting the birth of their child, two people who become trapped together in an elevator and a gentleman who is trying to enjoy his last New Year's Eve on earth as he sadly lays on his deathbed.
Much like Valentine's Day, Marshall's latest film seems to forget the importance of character development and indeed sure-footed narrative; these films feel like the audience are watching Ashton Kutcher flirt with Lea Michele, or Zac Efron helping Michelle Pfeiffer, which – in all honesty – they are. Never are viewers able to break away from the celebrities portraying these supposed characters, which cause great issues when trying to build and present emotion.
The film also has some bizarre cast members, including the incredibly pointless Jon Bon Jovi who slinks about, and may as well be promoting a new Greatest Hits album when he enters the frame. Stars like Halle Berry and Robert De Niro are incredibly redundant here, even though they do benefit from moderate screen-time. Performers like De Niro are worthy of a solid script and something more important to do rather than just stand around holding a theoretical sign saying 'And Robert De Niro'.
Contrary to the opinion of the majority of critics (or males), 'Valentine's Day' was yes fluffy, gooey and forgettable two hours, but also entertaining. It did try very slightly to be different – with a gay romance amongst other things – and whilst this was all still "Hollywood", there were far worse movies released in 2010.
To be fair to 'New Year's Eve', it is not amongst the worst of the year. This might be due to the fact that most of the audience had or have extremely low expectations upon arrival. Expecting a film to be bad makes it all the less painful if the final product is indeed poor and consequently, makes it seem much better than it truly is if a viewer is not disappointed.
'New Year's Eve' felt mechanical and forced, a project merely designed for profit – there is no love nor compassion, no credibility nor realism. This is rather a 118 minute tourist video about how wonderful The Big Apple is, and how beautiful the people who reside in it are. Throw in disgusting amounts of product placement and an old rock star, and hey, you've got a $100 million motion picture! Spend your £8 at the cinema this Christmas on a film that gives like 'Hugo' rather than this, and save the holiday romances for 'Love Actually' on DVD with the family or partner.
Verdict: It is better if Marshall does not attempt to make another movie about a commercial holiday again. If we see a trailer with Kutcher dressed as the Easter Bunny for love next year, run for your life.
For more The Upcoming reviews http://www.theupcoming.co.uk/category/culture/cinema/
Tangential almost coincidental
bkoganbing9 September 2015
Films like Garry Marshall's New Year's Eve are hard to talk about in terms of story because this one has so many different stories weaving in and out of the narrative. This one is like Crash many different characters weaving and out of the film and no real central story. In fact the appearance of characters from one story in another film is tangential almost coincidental.
If I had to pick a favorite of any of the stories it would be the reporter story with the reporter Hillary Swank and the man who makes it all happen Hector Elizondo. Apparently Hector is one special maintenance man who is in charge of that Times Square ball that marks the coming year the world over. You'd think we'd all be stuck in the previous year if Hector does not keep the ball in working order. Anyway it gets stuck on the way up to come down and Hector's been laid off. Swank is the one who has to send out a clarion call so New Year's Eve can reach its climax officially. But Hector has his pride and this sequence easily outranks the others.
Michelle Pheiffer has an interesting sequence when she walks out of her job with an arrogant boss and has a New Year's Eve with messenger boy Zac Efron that promises to rock their worlds. Life ends for dying cancer patient Robert DeNiro and begins for new mother Jessica Biel at midnight. Someone I think is trying to give us a subtle hint about reincarnation there.
Jon Bon Jovi gets to play a rocker like Jon Bon Jovi the central attraction of New Year's Eve the way Guy Lombardo used to be. And New Year's Eve threatens to be a bummer for Ashton Kutcher and Lea Michelle trapped in an elevator.
Gary Marshall may have tried for a grand-slam with all the stars he managed to fit into this urban panorama. But he got a double with runs scoring with New Year's Eve.
If I had to pick a favorite of any of the stories it would be the reporter story with the reporter Hillary Swank and the man who makes it all happen Hector Elizondo. Apparently Hector is one special maintenance man who is in charge of that Times Square ball that marks the coming year the world over. You'd think we'd all be stuck in the previous year if Hector does not keep the ball in working order. Anyway it gets stuck on the way up to come down and Hector's been laid off. Swank is the one who has to send out a clarion call so New Year's Eve can reach its climax officially. But Hector has his pride and this sequence easily outranks the others.
Michelle Pheiffer has an interesting sequence when she walks out of her job with an arrogant boss and has a New Year's Eve with messenger boy Zac Efron that promises to rock their worlds. Life ends for dying cancer patient Robert DeNiro and begins for new mother Jessica Biel at midnight. Someone I think is trying to give us a subtle hint about reincarnation there.
Jon Bon Jovi gets to play a rocker like Jon Bon Jovi the central attraction of New Year's Eve the way Guy Lombardo used to be. And New Year's Eve threatens to be a bummer for Ashton Kutcher and Lea Michelle trapped in an elevator.
Gary Marshall may have tried for a grand-slam with all the stars he managed to fit into this urban panorama. But he got a double with runs scoring with New Year's Eve.
Not all that funny, but still an amusing film.
DarkVulcan2919 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Like Gary Marshalls other film Valentine's Day, this also has an all star cast, like Cary Elwes, Ashton Kutcher, Halle Berry, Hillary Swank, Jon Bon Jovi, Katherine Heigal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Biel, and Robert De Niro to name a few. Has on the new day of New Years Eve, takes it toll on some people, who's stories intertwine. And getting ready for the new year.
I liked the New York setting, And some of the characters stories are appealing. But it was not all that funny, has it tries to be, some of the jokes are hit and miss. There where outtakes at the end, and they where funnier. But all in all, not a bad film, a good way spend the evening. New Years Eve is one of those films that you can sit and forget about your problems.
I liked the New York setting, And some of the characters stories are appealing. But it was not all that funny, has it tries to be, some of the jokes are hit and miss. There where outtakes at the end, and they where funnier. But all in all, not a bad film, a good way spend the evening. New Years Eve is one of those films that you can sit and forget about your problems.
New Years Heave
nathan-hooper7 December 2011
The trouble with ensemble comedies - romantic or otherwise - is that the audience is given little time to develop a relationship with any of their characters. This is certainly the case with Garry Marshall's seasonal effort New Years Eve, but the problems with the film are far from done there.
Stuck somewhere between a 'Visit New York' advert and meandering rom-com, few of the movies plots are linked and many are only hastily so at the end of the movie, almost as an afterthought. The film is incredibly low on laughs of any variety and despite - or perhaps because of - its huge star cast it never feels like its going anywhere, much like the Times Square ball which gets as much screen time as anybody.
The characterisation is incredibly lazy; Ashton Kutcher plays a pyjama-wearing stoner cartoonist, Zac Efron is the plucky young go-getter, De Niro (who will sign up for anything these days) is the grumpy old coot. These typecasts are bad enough before Lea Michele appears essentially playing Rachel Berry from Glee, replete with the screeching vocal performances. The cherry on top of the cake, however, is Michelle Pfeiffer who re-enacts her performance in Batman Returns as kooky wallflower Selina Kyle; to my immense disappointment she never became Catwoman and proceeded to whip up any sense of excitement.
The one positive thing I could say about this film is that it isn't offensively bad, except I cant because three of the precious few non-white, non-American characters are horrendously bad racial stereotypes. I'll leave you to spot them should you have the misfortune of having to endure this vapid exercise in futility.
Stuck somewhere between a 'Visit New York' advert and meandering rom-com, few of the movies plots are linked and many are only hastily so at the end of the movie, almost as an afterthought. The film is incredibly low on laughs of any variety and despite - or perhaps because of - its huge star cast it never feels like its going anywhere, much like the Times Square ball which gets as much screen time as anybody.
The characterisation is incredibly lazy; Ashton Kutcher plays a pyjama-wearing stoner cartoonist, Zac Efron is the plucky young go-getter, De Niro (who will sign up for anything these days) is the grumpy old coot. These typecasts are bad enough before Lea Michele appears essentially playing Rachel Berry from Glee, replete with the screeching vocal performances. The cherry on top of the cake, however, is Michelle Pfeiffer who re-enacts her performance in Batman Returns as kooky wallflower Selina Kyle; to my immense disappointment she never became Catwoman and proceeded to whip up any sense of excitement.
The one positive thing I could say about this film is that it isn't offensively bad, except I cant because three of the precious few non-white, non-American characters are horrendously bad racial stereotypes. I'll leave you to spot them should you have the misfortune of having to endure this vapid exercise in futility.
wow - so much hate
blanche-21 March 2013
I admit I didn't see New Year's Eve in a theater, where I might have resented spending the money. I saw it on TV and for what it was - a holiday movie, I thought it was cute.
Okay, I'm a sap. I've read the reviews here. I didn't find the story lines a jumble at all. This is a feel-good film with expected endings and so what? I for one do not want to be made miserable around the holidays when I'm already sad because so much of my family is gone.
There were also complaints about the cast - too many stars. So what? All-star casts have been around since 1931. Hillary Swank, Zach Efron, Robert de Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Katherine Heigl, Bon Jovi, Lea Michele, Ashton Kutcher, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Biel, Carla Gugino, Seth Meyers, and Sofia Vergara.
The film is episodic, about happenings in New York City on New Year's Eve: Swank is responsible for getting the ball to drop at midnight; de Niro is a dying man who wants to go on the hospital roof to see the ball drop; two couples want to have their babies at midnight and win $25,000; Katherine Heigl comes face to face with Bon Jovi, who dumped her the year before; Michelle Pfeiffer is a secretary who leaves her job and asks Zach Efron to fulfill her bucket list; Lea Michele and Ashton Kutcher are stuck in an elevator; etc.
"New Year's Eve" is an old-fashioned film, the kind you would see in the '50s. It's not Citizen Kane and it's not supposed to be. It seems to me that many people on IMDb are incredible snobs, sorry, and don't understand simple entertainment and taking a movie for what it is instead of what it isn't. You didn't know George Bailey would come out okay in "It's a Wonderful Life"? You didn't know they'd pull off honoring the general in "White Christmas"? I'm not sure what the problem is. I want predictable around the holidays. For those of you who wanted the ball to blow up and kill everyone at the end of the movie, you'll need to watch something else.
Okay, I'm a sap. I've read the reviews here. I didn't find the story lines a jumble at all. This is a feel-good film with expected endings and so what? I for one do not want to be made miserable around the holidays when I'm already sad because so much of my family is gone.
There were also complaints about the cast - too many stars. So what? All-star casts have been around since 1931. Hillary Swank, Zach Efron, Robert de Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Katherine Heigl, Bon Jovi, Lea Michele, Ashton Kutcher, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Biel, Carla Gugino, Seth Meyers, and Sofia Vergara.
The film is episodic, about happenings in New York City on New Year's Eve: Swank is responsible for getting the ball to drop at midnight; de Niro is a dying man who wants to go on the hospital roof to see the ball drop; two couples want to have their babies at midnight and win $25,000; Katherine Heigl comes face to face with Bon Jovi, who dumped her the year before; Michelle Pfeiffer is a secretary who leaves her job and asks Zach Efron to fulfill her bucket list; Lea Michele and Ashton Kutcher are stuck in an elevator; etc.
"New Year's Eve" is an old-fashioned film, the kind you would see in the '50s. It's not Citizen Kane and it's not supposed to be. It seems to me that many people on IMDb are incredible snobs, sorry, and don't understand simple entertainment and taking a movie for what it is instead of what it isn't. You didn't know George Bailey would come out okay in "It's a Wonderful Life"? You didn't know they'd pull off honoring the general in "White Christmas"? I'm not sure what the problem is. I want predictable around the holidays. For those of you who wanted the ball to blow up and kill everyone at the end of the movie, you'll need to watch something else.
Vapid, ridiculous and lacking quality.
Troy_Campbell8 December 2011
The latest in a long line of vapid group ensemble romcoms quickly becoming popular in Hollywood – Valentine's Day, He's Just Not That Into You, etc, etc – is devoid of anything even remotely resembling quality movie-making or quality entertainment. It's a hodgepodge of inane mini stories, hammy acting, ridiculous moralising and ludicrous plotting all converging to produce a sickly sweet holiday flick that should be avoided by all. I'm not sure what's more disconcerting, that Valentine's Day was triumphant enough at the box office to warrant this semi-spin off or that some of the usually terrific actors present here – Michelle Pfeiffer, Hilary Swank, Abigail Breslin, Halle Berry, Robert De Niro – decided to sign on the dotted line for this junk. Give this puke-fest a miss or you may actually want to skip the real New Year's Eve this year.
Enjoyed this movie a lot
abdixon16 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
It's very difficult to really make things flow well when there are so many stories happening simultaneously, and this movie is no exception really. However, all of the stories in and of themselves I found to touch and all of the different feelings one might have about New Year's Eve. Similar in style to movies such as Valentine's Day or Love Actually I would say that this movie holds its own, the only thing it really lacked was that moment or scene that tied all the characters together. Without this moment it left the stories separate and left the movie feeling a little scattered or ununified. For that I deducted 1 star.
I'm really not a fan of Sarah Jessica Parker, and this movie doesn't do anything to change that. The rest of the cast big name or not did a nice job. Nothing stellar and no Oscar worthy performances here, but I don't think anyone was really expecting that. Simply knowing going into this movie what it is made it easier to appreciate, and what it is is really a feel good romantic comedy. No real ups or downs or typical love losses. More or less an everyone wins sort of movie which was nice for a change.
The only moment in the movie I felt disappointed was when it turned out Josh Duhamel's character ends up with Sarah Jessica Parker. Immediately following that was the only real moment I felt didn't fit with the flow of the rest of the movie and that was Josh Duhamel's little narrative about love, sure the words were true, but it just didn't fit. For each of these I also deducted 1 star. Making for a nice 7 out of 10 movie.
I'm really not a fan of Sarah Jessica Parker, and this movie doesn't do anything to change that. The rest of the cast big name or not did a nice job. Nothing stellar and no Oscar worthy performances here, but I don't think anyone was really expecting that. Simply knowing going into this movie what it is made it easier to appreciate, and what it is is really a feel good romantic comedy. No real ups or downs or typical love losses. More or less an everyone wins sort of movie which was nice for a change.
The only moment in the movie I felt disappointed was when it turned out Josh Duhamel's character ends up with Sarah Jessica Parker. Immediately following that was the only real moment I felt didn't fit with the flow of the rest of the movie and that was Josh Duhamel's little narrative about love, sure the words were true, but it just didn't fit. For each of these I also deducted 1 star. Making for a nice 7 out of 10 movie.
Too many story lines make New Years Eve a bit of a dud.
JimmyCollins10 December 2011
I rather enjoy the odd ensemble comedy such as this film, I somewhat enjoyed Valentines Day and I really enjoyed He's Just Not That Into You, but what those film had but this doesn't is a fewer amount of plot lines. There's just too much going on in this film, far too many characters, as soon as I found myself interested in one plot its segment would end, you can never get really attached to one set of characters.
For me the best storyline was the Michelle Pfieffer and Zefron plot, it was really the only one with a bit of substance, I actually think a full movie of that story would be great, also the Jessica Biel and Seth Meyers plot was rather funny thanks to the highly underrated Ms Biel. This movie is entertaining enough I suppose but it's also lacking any real great laugh out loud moments, the only time I laughed was when Jessica Biel was in labour, she could do some great comedy if given the chance.
Lea Michele manages to bring her great screen charisma to the big screen, she is very fun to watch and her rendition of Aude Lang Syne was lovely and a nice way to end the movie.
If this movie had about four or five less stories happening this movie would have been much better, it's not horrible by any standards but it's not excellent either, also this may sound mean but Sofia Vergara is possibly the most annoying actress alive, at least they didn't put a decent actress in the most annoying role in the film. I mean it's worth paying to see the excellent dance scene between Zefron and Pfieffer over the end credits.
OK, but basically it's exactly the same as Valentines Day but with more actors and a lot less substance.
Enjoy. Maybe.
For me the best storyline was the Michelle Pfieffer and Zefron plot, it was really the only one with a bit of substance, I actually think a full movie of that story would be great, also the Jessica Biel and Seth Meyers plot was rather funny thanks to the highly underrated Ms Biel. This movie is entertaining enough I suppose but it's also lacking any real great laugh out loud moments, the only time I laughed was when Jessica Biel was in labour, she could do some great comedy if given the chance.
Lea Michele manages to bring her great screen charisma to the big screen, she is very fun to watch and her rendition of Aude Lang Syne was lovely and a nice way to end the movie.
If this movie had about four or five less stories happening this movie would have been much better, it's not horrible by any standards but it's not excellent either, also this may sound mean but Sofia Vergara is possibly the most annoying actress alive, at least they didn't put a decent actress in the most annoying role in the film. I mean it's worth paying to see the excellent dance scene between Zefron and Pfieffer over the end credits.
OK, but basically it's exactly the same as Valentines Day but with more actors and a lot less substance.
Enjoy. Maybe.
C'mon People...
Lynn6812 December 2011
Why does everyone have to look at every movie with an oh so critical and cynical eye?
This is a great seasonal movie to go and take your family (I did yesterday) in amongst all the pre-Christmas madness and just sit down,take a load off,relax,smile and enjoy... Sure it's no Citizen Kane..but it never purported to be!
It's a nice feel-good movie
so go and take off the cynical glasses and enjoy..we wouldn't enjoy half of great Christmas movies if we all took this jaded view of movies!
This is a great seasonal movie to go and take your family (I did yesterday) in amongst all the pre-Christmas madness and just sit down,take a load off,relax,smile and enjoy... Sure it's no Citizen Kane..but it never purported to be!
It's a nice feel-good movie
so go and take off the cynical glasses and enjoy..we wouldn't enjoy half of great Christmas movies if we all took this jaded view of movies!
A smile face happy star filled film of connection
blanbrn17 December 2011
Director Garry Marshall one who's known for doing Hollywood films filled with a big selection of stars is at it again this time with "New Year's Eve" and here this film follows an intersection of New York characters as they prepare for New Year's Eve and the time square ball to drop. You name it these people are dealing with life and it's problems of relationships, love, sickness, journey, and family time of coming together as you will see romance rekindled and break ups and births happening at midnight. Nice was the tease scene of Abgail Breslin flashing her sexy yellow colored bra! And it was nice to see an appearance from Michelle Pfeiffer as it was interesting to see her character as a woman determined on a life journey. Your heart went out to Robert De Niro as a dying man with cancer and amusing was Ashton Kutcher's elevator mishap and it was some eye candy treats seeing a picture with two sexy ladies like Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Biel. Overall not a blockbuster, but one star studded commercial film that tries to wish for world peace and friendship while trying for a smile on everyone's face.
A Sequel to Valentine's Day!
eldestjay10 December 2011
What? It's not a sequel to Valentine's Day?
Let's be honest here. There was absolutely NO reason to make this movie. Well, maybe one: money. During a viewing of this excruciatingly painful melo-dramedy, one will find absolutely no artistic value, underlying message, or actual creative backbone. This film is just an excuse to slap a couple of famous face in front of the same camera, within the same period of time. You know what that's called on the set of a good movie? Bad casting.
I can't believe someone made the same mistakes that were made just a year or two ago! When I first saw the poster, I thought "Is this a parody?". But then I saw who was directing this prick of a film.
Garry Marshall: Probably the single most desperate man in America. I am convinced that his last and final wish (let's be honest, he's not exactly in his twenties) is to meet as many famous people as he can; and what does that leave the helpless moviegoers with? The atrocities that were (and still are) Valentine's Day and New Years Eve.
Looking for a fun holiday film to put a spring in your step, and a sparkle in your smile? Then spend your ten bucks elsewhere, because this movie is not worth the dough.
The whole thing is a jumbled mess of popular actresses of today, and a few familiar faces that we all know. Then of course your Ashton Kutcher and your Jessica Biel who insist upon us that "Yes look, we're still famous! We promise!"
Well I don't need it. I don't need it, and I encourage everyone to stray far away from this badly written, far-fetched, soap cushion of a love story that sincerely wants to be literally everything that it's not. It's a drama for people who don't like dramas, a comedy for people who don't like comedies, and a romance for people who don't like romance. Not worth a second of your time.
Let's be honest here. There was absolutely NO reason to make this movie. Well, maybe one: money. During a viewing of this excruciatingly painful melo-dramedy, one will find absolutely no artistic value, underlying message, or actual creative backbone. This film is just an excuse to slap a couple of famous face in front of the same camera, within the same period of time. You know what that's called on the set of a good movie? Bad casting.
I can't believe someone made the same mistakes that were made just a year or two ago! When I first saw the poster, I thought "Is this a parody?". But then I saw who was directing this prick of a film.
Garry Marshall: Probably the single most desperate man in America. I am convinced that his last and final wish (let's be honest, he's not exactly in his twenties) is to meet as many famous people as he can; and what does that leave the helpless moviegoers with? The atrocities that were (and still are) Valentine's Day and New Years Eve.
Looking for a fun holiday film to put a spring in your step, and a sparkle in your smile? Then spend your ten bucks elsewhere, because this movie is not worth the dough.
The whole thing is a jumbled mess of popular actresses of today, and a few familiar faces that we all know. Then of course your Ashton Kutcher and your Jessica Biel who insist upon us that "Yes look, we're still famous! We promise!"
Well I don't need it. I don't need it, and I encourage everyone to stray far away from this badly written, far-fetched, soap cushion of a love story that sincerely wants to be literally everything that it's not. It's a drama for people who don't like dramas, a comedy for people who don't like comedies, and a romance for people who don't like romance. Not worth a second of your time.
Not Celebrating New Year's Eve
cattjones9 December 2011
There were so many stars in this film that it felt like a Hollywood casting office. This film was a jumble of story lines that somehow crashes together in the end. I really like all the actors in the film, but the film itself lacked substance. I think that director Garry Marshall took it a little too far when he got Matthew Broderick to make a cameo appearance as Mr. Buellerton. Really, Garry? This film reminds me of the other slapped together film that Garry directed (Valentine's Day). What happened to the brilliance that Garry displayed in films like Pretty Women and Beaches? There were a lot of Oscar-winning actors in this film such as Hillary Swank (Claire Morgan), Robert De Niro (Stan Harris), Halle Berry (Nurse Aimee) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Ingrid). I know that these people did not need a paycheck, so why would they want to add this film to their resume? Ashton Kutcher (Randy) is a man who hates New Year's Eve (as we can tell from the trailer). I think he hates New Year's Eve because he read the script. And another thing
. Why was Ashton wondering around New York City in his pajamas? I've been to New York City in the winter and this is not even close to being believable. I do have to make a comment about Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Kim. I can understand her having a teenage daughter, but what I cannot understand is the inappropriate love interest she ends up with. He is much too young for her (but who am I to talk – smile). I love SJP from way back from her Sex In The City days, but come on!!! The only character that was slightly believable was Hailey (Abigail Breslin), who acted pretty much like a typical teenager. The rest of the story lines were just pure nonsense. Emma's daughter-in-law brought her baby to the film and he slept through the whole thing. I felt like I could have done the same thing. I hate to say it (not really) but the best parts of this film were the outtakes at the end of the movie. If you feel like you need to see this film, I recommend that you wait until it comes out on DVD and rent it. I am not celebrating and I refuse to do a count-down for this film and am giving it a red light.
Nothing more- and less- than a feel-good holiday movie for the season
moviexclusive7 December 2011
An all-star ensemble unite for 'Pretty Woman' director Garry Marshall's ode to the most celebrated occasion of the entire year, but if the labyrinth of intersecting stories sounds familiar, that's because Marshall and his writer Katherine Fugate were also responsible for the similarly-themed 'Valentine's Day' back in 2010. Yet again, Marshall and Fugate juggle about a dozen story lines and twice as many characters over the course of a single day, with the events set at and around Times Square in New York City.
Adopting the same narrative formula however means that 'New Year's Eve' will inevitably share some of the same flaws as their earlier film, and true enough there are the stock characters, the stilted dialogue and most of all the unabashed sentimentalising that made 'Valentine's Day' a somewhat cringe-worthy affair. Nevertheless, Marshall has picked up more than a few lessons from 'Valentine's Day'- and besides being more polished, this latest holiday-themed confection also manages to hit the right schmaltzy notes, so much so that those looking for a movie that embraces the spirit of the season will undoubtedly find something to like about it.
We'll not attempt to summarise all of the multiple plot threads criss- crossing throughout the movie- suffice to say that the more notable ones include Hilary Swank as the frazzled, newly promoted VP of the Times Square alliance whose task is to ensure the New Year's countdown goes on smoothly; Katherine Heigl and Jon Bon Jovi as a pair of ex-lovers who almost got married a year ago before Bon Jovi's rocker got the cold feet; Michelle Pfeiffer as a disgruntled office assistant who hires Zac Efron's office courier to accomplish a list of resolutions; and- get this- two rival couples (Seth Meyers and Jessica Biel as one, Til Schweiger and Sarah Paulson as the other) competing to have the year's first baby for the congratulatory prize money.
Each of these individual plots don't go beyond their single-description dilemmas above, but there is barely enough time to flesh them out as they are in between Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Abigail Breslin, Josh Duhamel, Halle Berry and Robert De Niro. Still, despite their lack of depth, Marshall knows exactly the purpose of each thread. With his trademark efficiency, he draws out the themes of second chances, forgiveness, reconciliation, hope and above all, love in all its myriad forms. Marshall doesn't nuance his New Year's messages, but arguably he doesn't really need to considering how most of his audience are probably already in a generous enough mood for the year-end festive season.
No small feat it is however assembling such a powerhouse cast, especially since everyone gets no more than half an hour of screen time in total. Still, the actors seem to understand the constraints that such a profusion of characters will impose on their individual ones, and take it in their stride determined to have a good time. They know they are in a holiday movie, and nowhere is this more evident than in the outtakes, which reveal the jolly time they had on set (which you also shouldn't miss for a hilarious quip by De Niro). If we had to pick a favourite among all the actors, we'd go with De Niro, his soliloquies as a dying cancer patient looking back at his past arrogant ways with regret surprisingly poignant.
There are also delightful cameos from 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest, who makes a sharp dig at Dick Clark, Marshall regular Hector Elizondo as a veteran lighting technician called in to save the countdown, Matthew Broderick as Swank's boss, and even Mayor Michael Bloomberg drops in for the fun. It's the very definition of a star- studded affair, but besides the star cameos, Marshall also gets some generous help from cinematographer Charles Minsky, who effectively recreates the atmosphere at Times Square using footage shot during last year's countdown. It's as close as one can get short of being on the scene, and the euphoria is simply infectious.
Indeed, there's little point belabouring about the lack of plot or character in 'New Year's Eve'- you should already know what to expect from 'Valentine's Day'. Like its thematic predecessor however, it accomplishes what it sets out to do- that is, to spread the holiday cheer amidst these uncertain times of doom and gloom. There's always room for hope, for faith, and for love- and even if you don't remember which Hollywood star played what in the movie, these messages of the holiday season will still lift your spirits and put you in a jolly mood.
Adopting the same narrative formula however means that 'New Year's Eve' will inevitably share some of the same flaws as their earlier film, and true enough there are the stock characters, the stilted dialogue and most of all the unabashed sentimentalising that made 'Valentine's Day' a somewhat cringe-worthy affair. Nevertheless, Marshall has picked up more than a few lessons from 'Valentine's Day'- and besides being more polished, this latest holiday-themed confection also manages to hit the right schmaltzy notes, so much so that those looking for a movie that embraces the spirit of the season will undoubtedly find something to like about it.
We'll not attempt to summarise all of the multiple plot threads criss- crossing throughout the movie- suffice to say that the more notable ones include Hilary Swank as the frazzled, newly promoted VP of the Times Square alliance whose task is to ensure the New Year's countdown goes on smoothly; Katherine Heigl and Jon Bon Jovi as a pair of ex-lovers who almost got married a year ago before Bon Jovi's rocker got the cold feet; Michelle Pfeiffer as a disgruntled office assistant who hires Zac Efron's office courier to accomplish a list of resolutions; and- get this- two rival couples (Seth Meyers and Jessica Biel as one, Til Schweiger and Sarah Paulson as the other) competing to have the year's first baby for the congratulatory prize money.
Each of these individual plots don't go beyond their single-description dilemmas above, but there is barely enough time to flesh them out as they are in between Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Abigail Breslin, Josh Duhamel, Halle Berry and Robert De Niro. Still, despite their lack of depth, Marshall knows exactly the purpose of each thread. With his trademark efficiency, he draws out the themes of second chances, forgiveness, reconciliation, hope and above all, love in all its myriad forms. Marshall doesn't nuance his New Year's messages, but arguably he doesn't really need to considering how most of his audience are probably already in a generous enough mood for the year-end festive season.
No small feat it is however assembling such a powerhouse cast, especially since everyone gets no more than half an hour of screen time in total. Still, the actors seem to understand the constraints that such a profusion of characters will impose on their individual ones, and take it in their stride determined to have a good time. They know they are in a holiday movie, and nowhere is this more evident than in the outtakes, which reveal the jolly time they had on set (which you also shouldn't miss for a hilarious quip by De Niro). If we had to pick a favourite among all the actors, we'd go with De Niro, his soliloquies as a dying cancer patient looking back at his past arrogant ways with regret surprisingly poignant.
There are also delightful cameos from 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest, who makes a sharp dig at Dick Clark, Marshall regular Hector Elizondo as a veteran lighting technician called in to save the countdown, Matthew Broderick as Swank's boss, and even Mayor Michael Bloomberg drops in for the fun. It's the very definition of a star- studded affair, but besides the star cameos, Marshall also gets some generous help from cinematographer Charles Minsky, who effectively recreates the atmosphere at Times Square using footage shot during last year's countdown. It's as close as one can get short of being on the scene, and the euphoria is simply infectious.
Indeed, there's little point belabouring about the lack of plot or character in 'New Year's Eve'- you should already know what to expect from 'Valentine's Day'. Like its thematic predecessor however, it accomplishes what it sets out to do- that is, to spread the holiday cheer amidst these uncertain times of doom and gloom. There's always room for hope, for faith, and for love- and even if you don't remember which Hollywood star played what in the movie, these messages of the holiday season will still lift your spirits and put you in a jolly mood.
- www.moviexclusive.com
Made me feel excited for the year to come!
neenahhh19 December 2011
I watched "Valentine's Day" last year and didn't like it. I was kind of hesitant to watch "New Year's Eve" because I feared it would just be like that movie. However, a number of people said that this was a good movie and it was way better than Marshall's previous film. I'm glad I listened to those people, because I actually did like this movie.
Watching this gave me a fuzzy feeling. It made me excited for 2012 to come. It's funny because we haven't even had Christmas yet! Gosh, I love holidays. Movies like this just fuel my excitement even more.
This movie's cast composed of A-listers! My favorites were Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl, Sofia Vergara and Jake T. Austin, to name a few. Zac Efron was amazing! I loved watching him in all his scenes. As for Sofia Vergara, my eyes just went straight to her every time she was on. She was just as funny as her role on "Modern Family". I enjoyed watching familiar faces pop up here and there as I was watching the movie.
In this movie, clear connections aren't immediately seen. But that's what makes this movie interesting. I do think that "Valentine's Day" did a better job of intertwining everyone's own personal stories, that way everyone really was connected. In this movie, not everyone had connections with one another. But that's all right. The movie still managed to make me shed a tear many times throughout the film. It was that nice. I wasn't expecting to want to cry.
I liked this film better than Marshall's first. Maybe it was the buzz of the upcoming festivities that made me biased. Who knows? I just know that this film really made me excited for the upcoming year. And it also rekindled my love for Zac Efron and Jake T. Austin!
Viewed on: December 19, 2011
Watching this gave me a fuzzy feeling. It made me excited for 2012 to come. It's funny because we haven't even had Christmas yet! Gosh, I love holidays. Movies like this just fuel my excitement even more.
This movie's cast composed of A-listers! My favorites were Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl, Sofia Vergara and Jake T. Austin, to name a few. Zac Efron was amazing! I loved watching him in all his scenes. As for Sofia Vergara, my eyes just went straight to her every time she was on. She was just as funny as her role on "Modern Family". I enjoyed watching familiar faces pop up here and there as I was watching the movie.
In this movie, clear connections aren't immediately seen. But that's what makes this movie interesting. I do think that "Valentine's Day" did a better job of intertwining everyone's own personal stories, that way everyone really was connected. In this movie, not everyone had connections with one another. But that's all right. The movie still managed to make me shed a tear many times throughout the film. It was that nice. I wasn't expecting to want to cry.
I liked this film better than Marshall's first. Maybe it was the buzz of the upcoming festivities that made me biased. Who knows? I just know that this film really made me excited for the upcoming year. And it also rekindled my love for Zac Efron and Jake T. Austin!
Viewed on: December 19, 2011
A Nutshell Review: New Year's Eve
DICK STEEL10 December 2011
I'm speculating that one of the reasons why New Year's Eve got pushed up so early in the month is because come that time of the season everyone will be out there merry making rather than to head to the cinemas and probably revel in whatever festivities the welcoming of the new year will bring, instead of watching something that failed to capture the mood and spirit of leaving behind the old and being hopeful for what the new year would hold. Yes, for all its celebratory mood seen in the trailer, the actual product is nothing more than a really boring affair culminating in the New York Times Square ball drop at the stroke of midnight.
Garry Marshall continues from his festival theme film Valentine's Day with yet another ensemble that rounds up some of the hottest folks in Hollywood, playing caricatures in 8 short stories that you know will link up one way or another, either through characters or through events. There's Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) the mousy secretary of a music executive (John Lithgow) who quit her job to fulfill her New Year's resolution with the help of a courier boy (Zac Efron). Then we have Robert De Niro as a patient on his death bed persuading his doctor (Cary Elwes) and his nurse (Halle Berry) to let him see the countdown from the rooftop of the hospital. Jessica Biel and Seth Meyers play a couple who are expecting their child, and are in competition with another couple played by Sarah Paulson and Til Schweiger to produce the first New Year's baby to walk away with 25 thousand, engaging the help of Carla Gugino's spiritual doctor.
Leaving the hospital and into the hottest party in town, there's food caterer Laura (Katherine Heigl) who has to contend with rock star Jensen (Jon Bon Jovi) who is trying his utmost to win her back after walking out on her a year ago, with tired comedy contributed by her chefs played by Sofia Vergara and Russell Peters. Jensen's backup singer Elise (Lea Michele) finds herself stuck in a lift with the indifferent Randy (Ashton Kutcher) while en route to the performance. Sarah Jessica Parker and Abigail Breslin play a protective mother and daughter pair where the latter is trying to seek permission to spend the night out with her friends. Hillary Swank plays the executive of the ball drop event which has hit a snag, with Ludicrous as her police confidante, and rounding it all up is Josh Duhamel as a music mogul apprehensive whether he'll meet the woman of his dreams once more.
And throw in a couple more big names from Ryan Seacrest to cameos like Matthew Broderick and even Michael Bloomberg himself against the backdrop of Times Square, and the stage's all set for one heck of a party, not. Most of the stories here, written by Katherine Fugate, seemed more like an exercise to pack as many characters as possible without digging deeper in to the emotions on why such a day on the calendar is such a big deal. While Valentine's Day may have it easier since any romantic tale will fit the bill, how do you do one for New Year's, and to do so successfully, and convincingly? If not for the bevy of stars, this film would have fallen flat on its face because there's nothing absolutely compelling in the stories that you'd root for anyone to succeed in fulfilling their objectives before the new year kicks in.
It's dull and uninspiring, with no real emotion on display despite the wealth of talent at its disposal. The one I really wanted to laugh out loud at, is that of the Josh Duhamel arc involving a guy pining for a woman whom he had described a magical meeting that got etched permanently in his mind. This served as the hook to engage until the end, but what an anti-climatic let down when the identity got revealed, because throughout the film every other female character was of a lot more positive in attitude that the final chosen one, and worse, seemed to be forced into it because her character arc was simply the most atrocious of the lot. I never understood her appeal, and when she appeared in the end to close the loop, I'd swear I'd rather shoot myself if that was something that can happen in real life.
New Year's Eve was a tad too long in dragging out its scenes so that each arc has about an equal amount of time without one upstaging another, but all in all this film has one purpose and one purpose only - to serve as product placement, in almost every shot you'd see a brand name sticking out. You'd get a lot more cheer in actually getting outside and making merry with strangers, than to be stuck in a cinema hall watching this depressingly bad film. Pick something else instead if you crave for ensemble films.
Garry Marshall continues from his festival theme film Valentine's Day with yet another ensemble that rounds up some of the hottest folks in Hollywood, playing caricatures in 8 short stories that you know will link up one way or another, either through characters or through events. There's Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) the mousy secretary of a music executive (John Lithgow) who quit her job to fulfill her New Year's resolution with the help of a courier boy (Zac Efron). Then we have Robert De Niro as a patient on his death bed persuading his doctor (Cary Elwes) and his nurse (Halle Berry) to let him see the countdown from the rooftop of the hospital. Jessica Biel and Seth Meyers play a couple who are expecting their child, and are in competition with another couple played by Sarah Paulson and Til Schweiger to produce the first New Year's baby to walk away with 25 thousand, engaging the help of Carla Gugino's spiritual doctor.
Leaving the hospital and into the hottest party in town, there's food caterer Laura (Katherine Heigl) who has to contend with rock star Jensen (Jon Bon Jovi) who is trying his utmost to win her back after walking out on her a year ago, with tired comedy contributed by her chefs played by Sofia Vergara and Russell Peters. Jensen's backup singer Elise (Lea Michele) finds herself stuck in a lift with the indifferent Randy (Ashton Kutcher) while en route to the performance. Sarah Jessica Parker and Abigail Breslin play a protective mother and daughter pair where the latter is trying to seek permission to spend the night out with her friends. Hillary Swank plays the executive of the ball drop event which has hit a snag, with Ludicrous as her police confidante, and rounding it all up is Josh Duhamel as a music mogul apprehensive whether he'll meet the woman of his dreams once more.
And throw in a couple more big names from Ryan Seacrest to cameos like Matthew Broderick and even Michael Bloomberg himself against the backdrop of Times Square, and the stage's all set for one heck of a party, not. Most of the stories here, written by Katherine Fugate, seemed more like an exercise to pack as many characters as possible without digging deeper in to the emotions on why such a day on the calendar is such a big deal. While Valentine's Day may have it easier since any romantic tale will fit the bill, how do you do one for New Year's, and to do so successfully, and convincingly? If not for the bevy of stars, this film would have fallen flat on its face because there's nothing absolutely compelling in the stories that you'd root for anyone to succeed in fulfilling their objectives before the new year kicks in.
It's dull and uninspiring, with no real emotion on display despite the wealth of talent at its disposal. The one I really wanted to laugh out loud at, is that of the Josh Duhamel arc involving a guy pining for a woman whom he had described a magical meeting that got etched permanently in his mind. This served as the hook to engage until the end, but what an anti-climatic let down when the identity got revealed, because throughout the film every other female character was of a lot more positive in attitude that the final chosen one, and worse, seemed to be forced into it because her character arc was simply the most atrocious of the lot. I never understood her appeal, and when she appeared in the end to close the loop, I'd swear I'd rather shoot myself if that was something that can happen in real life.
New Year's Eve was a tad too long in dragging out its scenes so that each arc has about an equal amount of time without one upstaging another, but all in all this film has one purpose and one purpose only - to serve as product placement, in almost every shot you'd see a brand name sticking out. You'd get a lot more cheer in actually getting outside and making merry with strangers, than to be stuck in a cinema hall watching this depressingly bad film. Pick something else instead if you crave for ensemble films.
Not a complete disaster - but it's close
neil-47628 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This is an anthology film - a bewildering number of story threads hover around the Times Square New Year's Eve ball drop at the end of 2011. These include a man dying of cancer and his nurse, a rock singer and a caterer, two people stuck in a lift, a lovesick teen, the woman in charge of the ball drop, and assorted others. Some of these stories interlink, some don't.
This film, from the same production team which came up with St Valentine's Day, has a huge high profile cast, and has garnered some highly dodgy reviews. The points made in those reviews are all valid, but I didn't think this movie was as bad as all that (although, to be fair, the bad bits really stink).
Let me start by saying that this is yet another instance of a film being mis-marketed as a comedy. It is not. There is virtually nothing in it to laugh it (it more or less starts with Michelle Pfeiffer performing the worst pratfall in the history of movies). Apart from the odd line which raises a smile and Sofia Vergara doing a hugely exaggerated and possibly offensive stereotyped latina schtick which is sometimes amusing, this film simply isn't funny.
Some of the story threads have enough to please, however, particularly when they manage to contrive some emotion and stay out of mawkishness (Halle Berry's nurse and Abigail Breslin's teen come off best here). And the threads are intercut in short enough segments that none of them outstays their welcome to any great extent.
Now let's look at the bad. This must surely start with Hilary Swank's humourless and pointless ball-dropping supremo, to be followed by Michelle Pfeiffer's dreadfully misconceived repressed wish fulfilment spinster. The horrible thread with the competing birth couples (all of whom were completely hateful until a late redemption) was only just matched by the improbability of Ashton Kutcher's louche bah-humbug, er, person (for we never really found out anything else about him) being shown the value of New Year's Eve by being trapped in a lift with someone of a more hopeful disposition. And the resolution of Sarah Jessica Parker's storyline was one which I found not so much improbable as ludicrous.
So my verdict is not good, but passes the time if there is nothing else available.
Incidentally, the most entertaining element of the film are the outtakes which come with the closing credits.
This film, from the same production team which came up with St Valentine's Day, has a huge high profile cast, and has garnered some highly dodgy reviews. The points made in those reviews are all valid, but I didn't think this movie was as bad as all that (although, to be fair, the bad bits really stink).
Let me start by saying that this is yet another instance of a film being mis-marketed as a comedy. It is not. There is virtually nothing in it to laugh it (it more or less starts with Michelle Pfeiffer performing the worst pratfall in the history of movies). Apart from the odd line which raises a smile and Sofia Vergara doing a hugely exaggerated and possibly offensive stereotyped latina schtick which is sometimes amusing, this film simply isn't funny.
Some of the story threads have enough to please, however, particularly when they manage to contrive some emotion and stay out of mawkishness (Halle Berry's nurse and Abigail Breslin's teen come off best here). And the threads are intercut in short enough segments that none of them outstays their welcome to any great extent.
Now let's look at the bad. This must surely start with Hilary Swank's humourless and pointless ball-dropping supremo, to be followed by Michelle Pfeiffer's dreadfully misconceived repressed wish fulfilment spinster. The horrible thread with the competing birth couples (all of whom were completely hateful until a late redemption) was only just matched by the improbability of Ashton Kutcher's louche bah-humbug, er, person (for we never really found out anything else about him) being shown the value of New Year's Eve by being trapped in a lift with someone of a more hopeful disposition. And the resolution of Sarah Jessica Parker's storyline was one which I found not so much improbable as ludicrous.
So my verdict is not good, but passes the time if there is nothing else available.
Incidentally, the most entertaining element of the film are the outtakes which come with the closing credits.
All about the names above the credits, no substance to movie at all
Maniac-917 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly why would anyone want to waste time in a movie theater when the only reason you're watching the movie is to see a celebrity casting call? If you had the exact same movie without as many big name stars but actors better for each of the roles you wouldn't waste your $8-12 dollars at a megaplex to see this movie.
It's also totally unbelievable that a successful eligible bachelor like Josh Duhamel would even consider the possibility of hooking up with horseface Sarah Jessica Parker when he's got countless model types fawning all over him.
Halle Berry, Hilary Swank and Robert DeNiro in their storyline are the only actors in the movie who even bothered to not phone in their performances.
It's also totally unbelievable that a successful eligible bachelor like Josh Duhamel would even consider the possibility of hooking up with horseface Sarah Jessica Parker when he's got countless model types fawning all over him.
Halle Berry, Hilary Swank and Robert DeNiro in their storyline are the only actors in the movie who even bothered to not phone in their performances.
Lots of familiar faces in a collection of sub stories
Seraphion4 November 2015
The movie nicely develops several sub stories to fill its duration wisely. A single story would have the movie's time-line stretched so far as two or three days back, which would make the movie feel stupid in comparison to its title. It's also good that the movie tries to use the classic approach on dealing with sub stories, which is connecting them all together into one certain event or place. Now this wouldn't be possible for all, but at least most of the stories ended very well this way. It's very nice to see so many familiar faces in this movie, both senior and junior in the industry. The main roles are executed nicely. Robert DeNiro and Halle Berry did well in their parts, so did Josh Duhamel, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl and Abigail Breslin on their parts. The supporting roles get very interesting for having names like Ludicrous, Alyssa Milano and even Tig Scweiber.
Drivel
Evansja1112 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I wanted to give this film 1 out of 10, but there was a single poignant scene starring Halle Berry that provided the only depth of character in the entire film.
Otherwise, this movie is a disaster. The storyline is obvious and pathetic, the characters are so weak that you don't feel any sympathy for their respective plights, and the film lacks any sense of being genuine.
I just wanted it to end, and spent much of the time rolling my eyes with disbelief that actors as strong as this ensemble cast had been presented with such dreadful dialogue and such weak characters.
This film made Valentine's Day look good (an incredible feat) and both films were clearly an attempt at an American version of Love Actually, which both utterly failed.
Don't waste 2 hours of your life on this drivel.
Otherwise, this movie is a disaster. The storyline is obvious and pathetic, the characters are so weak that you don't feel any sympathy for their respective plights, and the film lacks any sense of being genuine.
I just wanted it to end, and spent much of the time rolling my eyes with disbelief that actors as strong as this ensemble cast had been presented with such dreadful dialogue and such weak characters.
This film made Valentine's Day look good (an incredible feat) and both films were clearly an attempt at an American version of Love Actually, which both utterly failed.
Don't waste 2 hours of your life on this drivel.
Do you like chocolate milkshakes?
musica112 December 2011
I'm reading some bad reviews of this movie, and I don't think the criticisms are exactly justified. While many of the complaints are valid, I don't think they apply to a movie like this.
I saw Hugo and loved it. That movie is "art" in it's most beautiful form. I expected it to be. Hugo is caviar from Le Bernardin.
New Year's Eve is a big, sloppy, tasty chocolate fudge milkshake from Baskin Robbins. It isn't classy. It doesn't take a lot of talent to make it. But it is ultimately satisfying and puts a smile on your face. My daughter and I both really enjoyed New Year's Eve. For the first few minutes, we did feel a bit like we had ADD because the scenes changed so quickly from one story line to the next. But we soon got into the pace of it and enjoyed it thoroughly as a happy diversion on a Saturday afternoon. It's much better than last Year's Valentines Day and is definitely a feel-good movie for a Girls' Night Out.
I saw Hugo and loved it. That movie is "art" in it's most beautiful form. I expected it to be. Hugo is caviar from Le Bernardin.
New Year's Eve is a big, sloppy, tasty chocolate fudge milkshake from Baskin Robbins. It isn't classy. It doesn't take a lot of talent to make it. But it is ultimately satisfying and puts a smile on your face. My daughter and I both really enjoyed New Year's Eve. For the first few minutes, we did feel a bit like we had ADD because the scenes changed so quickly from one story line to the next. But we soon got into the pace of it and enjoyed it thoroughly as a happy diversion on a Saturday afternoon. It's much better than last Year's Valentines Day and is definitely a feel-good movie for a Girls' Night Out.
many famous faces bring several stories together
MLDinTN16 December 2012
This movie was OK; it's a sequel to Valentine's Day. So you know it will have a lot of famous faces covering several stories that somehow all come together. But in this film, they don't all come together except that everyone celebrates New Year's in some fashion. My favorite story was the one with Josh Duhamel. He has car problems and gets a ride with a family in an RV and tells his story. He's going to meet a lady that he met a year ago and doesn't even know her name. And I like how the film fools you into thinking he's meeting one girl, when it's really another one.
FINAL VERDICT: It's not great acting, but entertaining enough. I think it's worth a view.
FINAL VERDICT: It's not great acting, but entertaining enough. I think it's worth a view.
Made me join IMDb
christopher-brett119 May 2012
This movie was so bad it is the reason I joined IMDb. I thought about joining in the past for good movies, but never have I been so motivated by a movie to do something to help others. Save yourself and DO NOT see this movie. Great actors, but horrible plot and writing. Which any movie buff knows it doesn't matter if the actors/actresses are on the level of Robert De Niro/Hale Berry or Kevin Federline/Jenifer Lopez, if the story is bad, nothing can save the movie. To Hollywood: Stop making stink bombs like this! Stop insulting the intelligence of your audiences. Save yourselves and your loyal followers from future pointless junk like this.
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