Trailer Talk: 'New Year's Eve' Looks Like 'Valentine's Day Redux

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What’s to Like

From director Garry Marshall to stars like Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel, and Hector Elizondo, “New Year’s Eve” feels like a carbon copy of last year’s “Valentine’s Day.” It seems clear that the producers of this new film are trying to replicate the success of that earlier comedy, which also explored a variety of romantic relationships on one specific holiday. Like its predecessor, it’s hard not to be impressed with this stellar cast that also includes Robert De Niro, Seth Meyers, and Hilary Swank. I actually enjoyed “Valentine’s Day” so this film has potential if it follows a similar formula.

What’s to Dislike

A similar formula is one thing but if this film becomes a bland carbon copy of “Day,” it could easily become a waste of time. If this story is only as good as its predecessor, why shouldn’t people just rent last year’s hit instead of paying ten dollars to see this new picture?

The Verdict

If “Valentine’s Day” hadn’t arrived in theaters last year with a similar cast and the same director, I might have more hope for “New Year’s Eve.” Right now, I’m cautiously optimistic but think that this film could prove to be an unnecessary repetition of a formula that worked well last year.

Release Date: December 9, 2011