Since the advent of the medium, film stars have been considered valuable commodities. As the face of the features they appear in, they link the audience and the industry, with studios keen to capitalise upon their status. Chasing marquee names soon became the custom, enabling productions to herald their lofty cast’s involvement – and lure viewers into theatres. In reward, deals tied lucrative figures to one company for a series of efforts to increase their appeal, with long-term relationships eventually giving way to bigger pay cheques and a share in the profits. Accordingly, star power still drives the filmmaking business, with the majority of features keen to claim popular – and therefore bankable – actors. Whilst most films are content with one or two such talents, the rise of anthology offerings has seen an array of high-profile thespians assembled in the same movie, with New Year’s Eve the latest example.
Following his 2010 release Valentine’s Day, director Garry Marshall again ponders the day that inspires the feature’s title. Across New York City, men and women attempt to see the year out in style, with their hopes and dreams resting on a fruitful night. Some are driven by love, others by family, and more still by motives as diverse as ambition, independence, regret and greed. Whatever their circumstances or stimulus, the expectant mothers, sickly patients, nervous managers, ambivalent slackers, rebellious teenagers, remorseful rockers and more share the sense of occasion that accompanies that last day of the year.
Of course, the multitude of characters that comprise the web of love, lust, loyalty and lament all come in the guise of Hollywood talent. That the poster that complements the release lists Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Hector Elizondo, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Til Schweiger, Hilary Swank and Sofia Vergara among the cast demonstrates the emphasis placed on players rather than plot, with all of the above and more present, even if for only abridged segments.
Indeed, writer Katherine Fugate (The Prince & Me) has crafted the ultimate star vehicle, allowing the actors to take precedence over the narrative. Even the smallest parts are performed by familiar faces, ensuring the audience can never escape the celebrity concept. And whilst many – Efron in particular – exude the charm required of their limited roles, their collective efforts are unable to overcome the clichéd rom-com content. With more in common with its flimsy predecessor than the heights of Love, Actually which it so obviously aspires to, New Year’s Eve may boast names however it lacks almost everything else, in an inane, over-extended and unexciting compilation.
New Year’s Eve is released in Australia on December 8th.
Director: Garry Marshall
Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hilary Swank
