Director Garry Marshall, known for his heartwarming films like Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride brings his signature magic to the bustling streets of New York City in New Year’s Eve. This star-studded romantic comedy that was released in theaters on Dec. 9, 2011, weaves together a tapestry of interconnected stories as diverse individuals navigate love, loss, and second chances amidst the chaos and excitement of the most anticipated night of the year leading up to the iconic ball drop in Times Square.
New Year’s Eve is the second in an unofficial trilogy of romantic comedy films from Marshall, set on a one-day holiday and featuring an ensemble cast in a variety of stories, the other films being Valentine’s Day (2010) and Mother’s Day (2016).
A Glimpse at the All-Star Cast
New Year’s Eve wasn’t just a movie; it was a veritable who’s who of Hollywood. The romantic comedy boasted an A-list ensemble cast that could rival any awards show red carpet.
The ensemble cast led by Academy Award winners Halle Berry, Robert De Niro and Hilary Swank and includes Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Common, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Héctor Elizondo, Carla Gugino, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, John Lithgow, Seth Meyers, Alyssa Milano, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Paulson, Michelle Pfeiffer and Sofía Vergara.
Oscar winners Halle Berry and Robert De Niro in New Year’s Eve (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve debuted with $13.02 million to top the box office in its opening weekend and knocking The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 out of the No. 1 spot it had held the previous three weeks.
The film would go on to gross $54.5 million domestically and $142.04 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert was not a fan of the film, saying in his review that “New Year’s Eve is a dreary plod through the sands of time until finally the last grain has trickled through the hourglass of cinematic sludge. How is it possible to assemble more than two dozen stars in a movie and find nothing interesting for any of them to do?”
Owen Gleiberman was a tad more positive in his Entertainment Weekly review, saying the film was “A schlock ensemble love-o-rama timed for the season of easy good feeling, is a movie I often found myself laughing at in ridicule, and one that also gave me a lump in the throat. So I guess you could say I had a good time.”
Legacy
“New Year’s Eve” may not have been a critical darling, but its undeniable appeal resides in its sheer star power. It was a cinematic celebration of Hollywood itself, a chance to see some of the biggest names in the business share the screen and weave a charming, if somewhat predictable, tale of love and laughter as the clock struck midnight.
