Movie New Years Eve (12A)
Jenness Mitchell • Published 9 Dec 2011 09:30
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New York City on New Years Eve.
Over the course of one night, on the countdown to the infamous Times Square NY ball drop, we are witness to several separate stories that interlink as the movie progresses. From neighbours who become trapped in an elevator and a young girl who ditches her mum for a kiss with a boy, to warring couples trying to deliver the first baby of the New Year and a sick man who wont see in another.
In the same style as Valentine Day director Garry Marshall returns with an impressive ensemble cast. Along with Oscar winners Hilary Swank (Boys Don't Cry, Million Dollar Baby), Halle Berry (Monster's Ball) and Robert De Niro (Raging Bull, The Godfather Part II), there is also the likes of Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), SJP (Sex & The City), Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), Josh Duhamel (Transformers), Jessica Biel (The A-Team) Ashton Kutcher (Two and a Half Men) and Lea Michele (Glee). The cameos were thick and plenty. Ryan Seacrest played himself, Alyssa Milano (Charmed) popped up as a nurse and Carla Gugino (Sucker Punch) as a spiritual doctor. Even Garry's sister Penny (director of such films as Big, Awakenings and A League of their Own) appeared as a party patron looking for another drink. Fortunately there were that many stars Emmy and Tony Award winner Cherry Jones didn't have to share any screen time with ex-girlfriend Sarah Paulson - awwkwaard!
There were many great moments, but my two favourite storylines featured rocker Jon Bon Jovi and Grey's Anatomy's Katie Heigl as ex lovers and Zac Efron as a cocky delivery boy attempting to make Michelle Pfeiffer's wishes come true. As chef Laura, Heigl seemed to relish the chance to slap Bon Jovi on a couple of occasions for running out on her. Although there have been rumours of Heigl being a nightmare to work alongside, onscreen she has a likeable cheeky charm. The highlight of the movie, for me, was the luscious Efron. He not only looked absolutely gorgeous, but his patter was hilarious. As downtrodden Ingrid, on the verge of a breakdown, Pfeiffer was able to muster teary eyes brought back to life by the enthusiasm of Efron's Paul.
New Years Eve is similar to Love Actually in being a sweet seasonal romantic comedy. It's not going to win any Academy Awards, but nicely rounds off the year.
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