Every New Year’s Eve, people around the world gather to celebrate fresh starts and exciting possibilities, and what better way to get ready for the occasion than through a star-studded romantic comedy? Currently streaming on Hulu, this festive ensemble film offers the perfect backdrop for your holiday movie marathon.
New Year’s Eve is a 2011 romantic comedy directed by Garry Marshall, who is known for ensemble films like Valentine’s Day, and this one is in a similar vein. It weaves together multiple narratives set against in New York City on December 31 with the clock ticking down to the new year.
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Plot overview and characters
This film has several storylines, each converging as midnight approaches. Viewers follow a long list of characters that include a dying man wishing to see the ball drop one more time, a secretary determined to get through her bucket list, and a couple racing to have the first baby of the new year. These stories highlight how crazy it can get around the New Year and the lengths people will go to to make a change during these celebrations.
Robert De Niro - Plays a dying man hoping to see the Times Square ball drop one last time.
Michelle Pfeiffer - Portrays Ingrid, a secretary determined to complete her New Year’s resolutions.
Zac Efron - Stars as Paul, a young courier helping Ingrid fulfill her resolutions.
Hilary Swank plays Claire Morgan at a Times Square event.
Ashton Kutcher - Portrays Randy, a grumpy man stuck in an elevator.
Lea Michele plays Elise, a backup singer, in the elevator with Randy.
Jessica Biel - Stars as Tess, a pregnant woman competing to have the first baby of the new year.
Seth Meyers - Portrays Griffin, Tess’s competitive husband.
Katherine Heigl - Plays Laura, a caterer with a rocky love life.
Jon Bon Jovi - Stars as Jensen, a rock star and Laura’s ex-boyfriend.
Sarah Jessica Parker - Portrays Kim, a single mother dealing with a difficult relationship with her teenage daughter.
Abigail Breslin - Portrays Hailey, Kim’s teenage daughter who wants to spend the night out with friends.
Héctor Elizondo - Features as Kominsky, helping to save the Times Square ball drop.
Behind the scenes fun
Some of the filming took place on December 31, so you get to see authentic festivities as a backdrop to the film. Key locations included Silvercup Studios in Queens for hospital scenes and various landmarks throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Many of the actors in this film have also appeared in other Garry Marshall movies. For instance, the vendor Marvin Braverman plays a vendor in five films besides this one. Halle Barre was cast, had to drop out, and was recast in another role, showcasing how much Garry believes in his actors.
Final words
While this film doesn’t have high marks as far a reviews go, it’s a lot of fun to watch on New Year’s Eve as you’re getting ready for the ball to drop. As it’s getting a little older now it’s fun to see all the stars who were popular at the time, see how they’ve changed, and remember how much you liked them.
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