New in Town - A Movie Review

You never know what secrets a town holds.

New in Town arrived in theaters in 2009. Lucy, a Florida businesswoman, adjusts to living in a Minnesota town. Getting used to customs and the cold weather, Lucy learns that there is more to life than just business.

You never know what you’ll learn when traveling to a new destination. Traveling is a given. New in Town is a fun story that examines a stubborn woman who discovers that there is more to a small town than she thought. Never judge a town before getting to know its story.

Lucy did not prepare herself for the contrasting atmosphere when she first arrived in Minnesota. Renee Zellweger did a tremendous job in the evolution of her character. Strong-willed and stubborn, Lucy learns to open up and connect with the residence.

That’s what I like most about her character. Most viewers have been in Lucy’s place. We’ll get so caught up in life, that we forget to live. Learning an impactful lesson, Lucy gains a new perspective that she never realized.

The budding relationship between Lucy and Ted (Harry Connick Jr.) was developed well. At first, not fond of one another, they become more open as the story advances. Zellweger and Connick Jr. were excellent in their scenes.

My favorite scene will forever be Ted rescuing Lucy who was trapped in a terrible snowstorm. Because she had a lot to drink, Lucy says whatever is on her mind.

The ensemble did a wonderful job making this feel like a genuine town. At first, not open to Lucy’s attitude, they mess around with her. Credits to include are Siobhan Fallon Hogan, J.K. Simmons, Frances Conroy, Robert Small, and several noteworthy characters. Just like a person, you have to get to know a town before judging it.

Hogan was my favorite of the ensemble. As an eccentric woman, Lucy learns to open up to her more. The first scene where they are riding in the car together is funny. Hogan was wonderful, and I have since seen her in another film. She is a talented character actress.

The angle that showcases the definition of what being a boss means is relatable. Being a boss has had an impact on all of us, whether in a positive or negative light. We’ll have our good and bad days.

However, one of the most important jobs in a boss includes the way you interact with your employees. Always think about others’ needs, before your own. That impacts the way your business runs.

If the characters looked cold, they were. Filming took place in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As Zellweger mentioned, it was so cold that sometimes the temperature was -55° C! To prevent the camera from freezing, filmmakers had to shoot scenes in a minute. I felt like a resident in this town. Filmmakers made viewers connect to this town.

James Elmer directed a wholesome movie. Everything matters. He tends to repeat this message a little too much throughout the film. Elmer explored locations making it feel like a place that audiences have been to before. Take time to explore the world. You are never really alone. We will always have somebody.

Now that we can travel more, this film influences people to research locations before taking all their bags and wearing heels to a new and different place. Most importantly, stay true to your heart. Be you.

I’m surprised that New in Town is not talked about more. It’s funny, heartwarming, and has a great story. I recommend that you watch it. The message is not to be missed.