New Year's Eve

As I've mentioned in other write-ups, romantic comedies aren't my favorite type of comedy, but once in a while, I feel I should give them a chance. As with the case of "New Year's Eve", it was not a great film, but certainly was a much better film than I would have ever expected.

New Year's Eve celebrates love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts. This chronicles different couples and singles' intertwined stories which are told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on the most dazzling night of the year. Can these individuals find all things they need to find in order to make their lives worthwhile in the confines of one New Year's Eve?

Cast alphabetically: Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Chris 'Ludicris' Bridges, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Hector Elizondo, Katherine Heigl, Aston Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Til Schweiger, Hilary Swank, and Sofia Vergara.

This was well directed by veteran director Garry Marshall ("The Flamingo Kid" '84, "Overboard" '87, "Beaches" '88, "Pretty Woman" '90, "Frankie and Johnny" '91, "Dear God" '96, "Runaway Bride" '99, "The Princess Diaries" '01, "Raising Helen" '04, "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" '04, "Georgia Rule" '07, "Valentine's Day" '10) with very much the same feel as "Valentine's Day". But considering Marshall also directed Valentine's Day and Katherine Fugate wrote both this and Valentine's Day, it's certainly no shock. Fugate also wrote "Carolina" '03 and "The Prince and Me" '04.

One can't help but feel comfortable with this seasonal film with a cast that works well off of one another, thanks partly to Marshall's direction. There is some jumping around, script-wise, but I guarantee you'll leave the cineplex feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

Out of 4 stars: 2.5                        Rated: PG-13                     117min.