OK for kids 14+
Shallow, star-studded romcom has some drinking, swearing.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this star-studded romcom is heavy on familiar faces (including Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, and many more) and short on depth. New Year's Eve follows several interconnected storylines as people try to make amends for the past year and ring in the new one; the stories are simplistic and saccharine, and though the messages are well meant and everyone's striving to be a good person, there aren't many believable role models. There's plenty of kissing and romance, plus some drinking and swearing (including "s--t" and one memorable "f--k"), and tons of enormous billboards touting products in Times Square.
- Families can talk about how New Year's Eve portrays dating and romance. Ask your teens if this is what they think adult relationships are really like.
- Did you identify with any of the characters' storylines? Which ones seemed the most believable? Which ones felt completely implausible?
- What's the significance of New Year's Eve as a holiday? Is it important to have someone special to celebrate it with? What does the beginning of a new year mean to you?
The good stuff
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Messages: The many characters in the film demonstrate hope, optimism, forgiveness, and -- most of all -- love.
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Role models: Everybody here is striving to be the best person they can be. It's certainly positive, though few of them come across as believable characters.
What to watch for
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Violence: One character slaps another in a long-planned but ultimately unsatisfying retaliation.
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Sex: Many romantic kisses at midnight as the new year arrives, as well as one somewhat graphic proposition for sex with two willing women that a man turns down.
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Language: Some swearing, including "ass," "s--t," "damn," "hell," "oh my God" (as an exclamation), and one loud "f--k" as a woman struggles to give birth.
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Consumerism: Much of the movie takes place in Times Square, with characters surrounded by enormous billboards for every product imaginable, including Toshiba (which sponsors the square's New Year's Eve ball), Nivea, and Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (another movie released by New Year's Eve distributor) Warner Bros. Also Moet champagne.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Several scenes feature people drinking to ring in the New Year, though hardly anyone seems drunk, rowdy, or out of control.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Much better than expected! by jandpt
I absolutely LOVED this movie! I took my 11 year old and her best friend. I expected it to be a cute movie, something to watch on a Friday night. But it was MUCH BETTER! I laughed. I cried. I peed my pants. Haha. Seriously, I would buy this movie and I don't ever like to watch movies more than once. :)
4
Gary Marshall does it again! by Mister EAP
Gary Marshall does it again! I've been looking forward to this movie ever since I heard about its coming. My favorite holiday has always been New Years Eve. It's a day of reflecting the things you've accomplished and also a day of hope for a new year. It, to me, has always been the most magical day of the year. Making a movie about it made perfect sense.
For a positively heart-warming, fun filled ride, go see this movie. It would be a good girls night out film or a great movie to take that special someone out. Men, take your girlfriends to see this movie. It's sweet and sappy, yes; but Jon Bon Jovi is in it and you also get a great shot of Halle Berry. It's worth it.
This movie probably will not win an Oscar; however it won my adoration and a thumbs up from me. Go see it!
5
Go! by eliie19
I loved it. It'll have you in tears and in laughs all at the same time, but mostly it will have you laughing. Very heart-warming film. Go, is definitely money worthy and the cast is completely amazing.
4
Easy and fun by madliddi
This is a good "base hit". iIt's got a talented cast, fun but somewhat predictable storyline, and is set in a festive environment. If you wanto to go to a "no brainer" then this is it.
4
See it before New Year's Eve by Racquele
This movie has a star-studded cast, which isn't necessary. There are several sweet stories going on simultaneously, so something for everyone I guess. As someone who lives in Manhattan, the scenes & events are very familiar to me but I don't know how someone who doesn't live here would relate to it all. This movie is worth seeing, before New Year's Eve 2011!
4
New Year's Eve by Baby Jane
My husband and I both really liked it. There was a lot going on so I would like to see it again to see what I might have missed.
5
New Year's Eve by newyorker47
Just saw New Year's Eve and it was the best feel good movie, can't wait till it comes out on DVD definitely buying it and the soundtrack.
4
New Year's Eve by believer36
Definitely worth seeing during this holiday season! I realize it's not an Oscar-nominee-worthy movie (although Jon Bon Jovi STOLE the show!), but it's a fun flick to see with your gal pals. Definitely NOT an AULD LANG SUCK!
3
New Year's Eve not great by tonyhasit
New Year's Eve tries to copy the magic of Love Actually but misses by quite a bit. A few good moments but overall not well done. A lot of the acting seems forced and not believable. One highlight is the duet between Jon Bon Jovi and Lea Michelle.
5
You'll Laugh- You'll Cry - You'll Love it! by ocklebockle
Loved how all the characters and stories intertwined as the movie progressed. Romantic, endearing, sentimental, funny, lighthearted. Definitely recommend it - even though it made me and my daughter cry (lost my father this time last year and the holidays are still difficult) but we still enjoyed the film very much!