New Year's Eve - A Movie Review

Write the story that you want. Don’t let the pencil control you.

New Year’s Eve dropped into theaters in 2011. The new year is fast approaching. The entire city of New York is getting ready for the celebration. Following several storylines, a handful of people learn what New Year’s is all about.

Instead of watching on New Year’s Eve, I watched this film on New Year’s Day. Honestly, it made it more impactful. Based on other films that have storylines with an ensemble of characters, I didn’t think I was going to like this film. New Year’s Eve does something different. New Year’s Eve has an assortment of definitions. What does this day mean to you?

New Year’s Eve assembles quite the cast of actors. Each storyline is essential. A few actors to name in a list of many are Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashton Kutcher, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hillary Swank, Seth Meyers, and Robert de Niro.

The cast accomplishes great interactions along with studies of their characters. All the storylines are relevant. I never like it when films with similar storylines don’t include certain characters for the entire duration. For some, I didn’t care enough about their conflicts, but they were all creative and most importantly, realistic.

Ashton Kutcher has grown on me as an actor over the years. The ‘stuck in the elevator’ scenario was a fun one. I especially enjoyed the storyline between Michelle Pfieffer and Zac Efron. No matter the age, we can all make friendships. You never know what you will learn about someone. Before judging, sit down and talk first.

Out of the storylines, Hillary Swank’s was my favorite. It was deep and emotional. Under stress to get the ball to drop on time for the new year, she makes us stop and think. What does the New Year mean to everyone? We all have different types of hopes and dreams along with how we want to spend this holiday.

Her words impacted me. The way you bring in the new year doesn’t have to be special. Think about it. Some are nurses who have to work, others will go to New York to watch the ball drop, while some people like to stay in and do their own thing.

Garry Marshall finds the moral in each storyline. Marshall was also the director for Valentine's Day, a similar film to this. Except, its message was a lot different. Instead of focusing on love, he gave attention to the topic of second chances. In each segment, depending on if you are young or old, everyone is searching for a change.

New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite holidays. It’s a time to spend with family, do an activity that you like, and count down to the New Year. I always like to do my own thing. As long as you are happy with what you are doing, start the new year doing an activity that you like.

Despite no central story, the film sticks to its main premise. Some of the storylines ring in on the same message, and some of the characters weren’t realistic. More time could have gone to developing certain characters and the scenarios.

Overall, I thought New Year’s Eve was a good film and I am glad that I watched it. Take a moment to reflect on your goals, the people who you are with, and what’s important to you.

You don’t have to watch this film on just New Year’s Eve. Watch it at any time of the year to remind you that you always have a second chance.