What’s it about? We follow a whole host of characters as they try and navigate the emotionally tumultuous night that is New Year’s Eve, directed by Valentine's Day's Garry Marshall.
Who’s in it? Who isn’t? New Year’s Eve contains more stars than the Milky Way. Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jessica Biel, Hilary Swank, Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ludacris, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Robert De Niro and Katherine Heigl to name but a few.
Handbag hearts: New Year’s Eve had us crying and laughing (sometimes at the same time) and was a great feel-good movie. There’s literally someone for everyone there, thanks to the huge cast list, and many of the actors don’t disappoint with the limited scripts and character development they’re given.
We love the fact that New Year’s Eve is set to serve as a reminder that whatever you did in 2011, all can be forgiven with the start of a New Year. Except for you Ashton Kutcher, you’re not forgiven.
What’s bad? It’s complete cheese on toast. If they were making the film equivalent of the ultimate cheese on toast, with jalapeño peppers and Lea and Perrins sauce, New Year’s Eve would be it.
And when there is a break from the mountains of schmaltz you need to wade through to get to the end, keep an eye out for the puppet masters pulling on your heartstrings. We had to remind ourselves constantly that the filmmakers wanted us to cry. We even think the grown man sitting next to us shed a few tears.
We also don’t really get to know the characters very well, so we’re not invested in many, if any, of the story lines. Except, perhaps Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer’s plot.
Should you go and see it: If you’re in the mood for sickly sweet schmaltz and plenty of it, then it’s a definite yes. As a feel-good (and sometimes sad) film New Year’s Eve does what it says on the tin, just don’t expect much more.
