Its somewhat surprising that New Year’s Eve themed movies are difficult to find. Maybe it’s a result of people being holiday-movied out, or a bi-product of the short time frame between Christmas and December 31st. The holiday lacks the movie pizzazz of Halloween and Christmas, but it can be found if you look for it. The 1999 cult classic movie “200 Cigarettes” is one of the rare films that sets its focus on New Year’s Eve and the result is one of the best holiday themed movies you will find.
“200 Cigarettes” is a comedy by trade, but offers the viewer so much more with a great ensemble cast, fun soundtrack, solid themes, and perfect New York City setting.
Despite being created in 1999, the movie is set on New Year’s Eve 1981. This is the first area of note that makes the movie so special. Rather than occurring on the historic 1999 New Year’s Eve, or even the decade ending final day of 1979, its set on a random December 31st; a date that’s insignificant in history to anyone other than those living in it at the time.
The plot follows several groups of friends, all en route to a New Years Eve party, and all with their own personal goals for love, sex, and satisfying true meaning in their personas.
The dialogue between the cast is great, with hysterical lines and thoughtful depth provided at every turn. For Kevin (Paul Rudd) it’s a depressing night; he has just been dumped by long time girlfriend (Janeane Garofalo) and if that’s not enough, the night is also his birthday.
Rudd is the undisputed star performer in the movie as the hysterical Kevin, heading to the party with long time friend Lucy, and strong sexual tensions between the two at near boiling point. Surprisingly, ’90s bad girl rocker Courtney Love is great in the role of Lucy, the typical long time platonic friend who desperately wants something more out of the relationship.
Another perfectly funny pairing is Jack and Cindy, on the aftermath of their first date the previous night. The ditsy Cindy (Kate Hudson) has already fallen in love with the seemingly every-man Jack (Jay Mohr), who advises he is cursed with this issue – women falling for him after every first encounter. Hudson is charming in the role of Cindy, proving her good looks can be paired well in a humerus role while comedian Jay Mohr is brilliant with the role of Jack.
In perfect ’90s cinematic fashion, the scenes jump in continuous nonlinear style among the various groups, cutting every so often to the apartment of Monica (Martha Plimpton) who is hosting the party, and terrified that no one will show up. Plimpton is perfect in the role of Monica; going out of her way to host a memorable party, and on the brink of hysteria hours before any of the guests are due to arrive.
“200 Cigarettes” manages to capture the excitement we all have on New Year’s Eve. The expectations of a memorable night, the promise of change in the upcoming year, and everyone’s willingness to overlook the fact that’s its just another night. The movie is perfectly crisp, written by Shana Larsen and directed by Risa Bramon Garcia (relative unknowns).
Set in the brooding and dirty streets of a crime-filled New York City is the only possible locale. The characters are all smokers (hence the title) and graffiti and punk-like shady characters are on every street corner. The party isn’t in Soho, its in Noho, advises Val (Christina Ricci) to friend Stephi (Gaby Hoffmann); 2 teens from Ronkonkoma armed with fake IDs and perfect Long Island accents.
Tying in the ensemble of would be party-goers is an eccentric cab driver (Dave Chappelle) who shuttles the random people involved to and from across the city with whimsical advice at every turn. The opening drive he encourages the morose Kevin with three rules to follow for the evening. Smile, don’t talk about death, and music will get you booty.
“200 Cigarettes” is a perfect comedy and one of the best New Year’s Eve themed movies you will find. It’s a hands down Instant DVD Purchase; a movie you can and will enjoy each and every year in the waning days of December.
