During the lowest grossing weekend of the year, New Year’s Eve shined above all earning $13.7 million beating Twilight in its third weekend out and The Sitter, which was released thesame day as New Year’s Eve. Along with its lead in revenue, the film took the lead in criticism as many annihilated the film with their harsh words.

With a cast full of the brightest star, many viewers would think twice before seeing the film finding it difficult to follow along with each character as the movie progresses. While this proved to be true for previously star-studded romantic comedy’s like He’s Just Not That Into You and Valentine’s Day, it was not the case for New Year’s Eve.

Director Gary Marshall did a great job of giving each character enough screen time for the audience to retain the events and follow along. Of course viewers chose their favorites, whether it was the quirky girl from Glee, Lea Michelle, who of course had a singing role, or High School Musical sweetheart, Zac Efron who thankfully did not sing.

Opening with Efron who plays Paul, a dead beat mail courier and a narration by Josh Duhamel who portrays Sam, they set the scene as Paul (Efron) rides through New York City on his motorcycle and Sam (Duhamel) narrates, speaking about how everyone’s life intertwines on this one special night.

As the film goes on and everyone’s story slowly begins to connect, our screens are filled by the faces of Saturday Night Live star, Seth Meyers. Modern Family star Sophia Vergara and countless others, including some more commonly know in the music industry, Jon Bon Jovi and Ludacris.

Despite it’s setting in New York City, arguably the liveliest city in the world, the film fails to capture it as most of the film occurs indoors. Finally, we arrive at the awaited dropping of the ball in Times Square. With a cliché speech here and a touching romance scene there the film stalls, as does the ball does. With the career of Claire (portrayed by Hilary Swank) depending on the falling of the ball filled with 3,000 lights and the hopes and dreams of people everywhere, it is fixed ending the film with the connecting of the characters.

A good effort by the director, the film made more sense and was filled with more entertainment in comparison to previous star-studded romantic comedies. But, looking at the film singularly, it did not posses the quality to maintain its top position in the box office. Predicting its fall this upcoming weekend, viewers are more likely to watch the film for the quantity of stars rather than the quality the film may posses.

I rate this film a C- only for being the best of its kind, but not possessing the quality for a second viewing in theaters or out. If you haven’t seen movies similar to this, I would suggest you view this over any other. For movie show times near Annandale, VA click here.