'New Year's Eve' puts you in the holiday mood

Film: 'New Year's Eve'; Actors: Robert De Niro, Halle Berry, Hillary Swank, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jessica Biel, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashton Kutcher; Director: Garry Marshall; Rating: ***

Is it possible to make a film with so many characters played by big stars that each looks like they are doing a cameo and yet make the film watchable? 'New Year's Eve' attempts just that and though there may not be anything original in it, its sweetness and warmth pulls the film through.

As New York city eagerly awaits the annual ball-drop at Times Square on New Year's Eve, different characters' lives and actions collide and end in a joyous New Year for all.

There are films that have attempted to play multiple stories at the same time. While most of them have three to four stories intertwined with one another, 'New Year's Eve' attempts to weave together eight stories in two hours.

The result may not be a masterpiece but it holds together well with some witty dialogues, some genuinely funny moments and the warmth of hope that tugs at your heart during festive seasons.

Of course, the main problem you'd find is that none of the stories or their resolution smacks of even a bit of originality. But that does not matter as it is a feel-good film whose only goal is to put you in the holiday mood.

The other issue with the film is that because of so many stories, it is tough to 'show-don't-tell' - the basic rule of any good art. Thus, for example, you hear from the character of Robert De Niro about what a prick was. You don't have time to actually experience it in his actions. This does seem a little jarring, but not unbearably so.

Fans of the many stars who share screen space in the film would be disappointed by how underutilised they all are.

While you are glad that Jon Bon Jovi does not have a bigger role for he cannot act for the life of his, you are sad that De Niro, Halle Berry, Hillary Swank, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jessica Biel among others are so underutilised.

Thus, while you get involved in one story, another pops along - which sometimes disturbs your rhythm. But it's a good hearted, moral, family film which you will enjoy if you watch without any expectation.

Copyright  IANS

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