Rated PG-13 for language including some sexual references.
Directed by Garry Marshall (Valentine’s Day, Runaway Bride, Pretty Woman)
Starring 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, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hilary Swank, Sofía Vergara and Seth Meyers
Another fun “date movie” from Garry Marshall.
New Year’s Eve celebrates love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts, in the intertwining stories told amidst the pulse and promise of New York City on the most dazzling night of the year.
If you liked last year’s Valentine’s Day, then I think you are going to love New Year’s Eve. It’s basically the same movie with a different cast. And instead of taking place on Valentine’s Day, it takes place on…you guessed it, New Year’s Eve. I thought Valentine’s Day was ok, but my wife and I really enjoyed this one.
The highlight of this film is the cast. And the cast is huge. With stars like Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Halle Berry, Michelle Pfeiffer and on and on and on, they all shine bright and add serious style point to the movie.
Now with a cast that big I figured it was safe to assume that there wouldn’t be a ton of character development and I was right. I mean we get to know the characters, but it is a real surface knowledge. But again it’s ok, because sometimes fun is a great substitute for depth. And at the risk of sounding like a broken record…this movie really is fun.
There is no doubt about the talent of director Gary Marshall. He knows exactly how to deliver a great film. It’s funny, it’s serious, it’s lighthearted and it’s tenderhearted all at the same time. In my book that makes it Theater Worthy.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Although there are a few sexual references, there is no sex or nudity. There is one scene where Abigail Breslin lifts up her shirt in public and says to her mom “This is not a training bra!” and you can see her bra.
There is no violence or gore and even the profanity is on the mild side with a couple S-words and one F-word.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: In a televised speech to discuss the fact that the Famous New Year’s Eve ball is broken, Claire says, “It’s suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the New Year, to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by…to remember both our triumphs and our missteps – our promises made, and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures – or closed ourselves down, for fear of getting hurt. Because that’s what New Year’s is all about: getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about ‘what if’ and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight – and it will drop – let’s remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long.”
What do you think of her speech? What part of her speech do you like the best?
Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: Read Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
What does this verse and Claire’s speech have in common?
What is the goal Paul is “pressing towards”?
What was Claire hoping would happen?
Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: What are some ways we can forget the past and press ahead?
What are some things we can do this week to be nicer and kinder to the people in our life?
