Eine Nacht in New York

This film tells the story of a number of individuals out on the streets of New York on New Years Eve, looking for love and fun.

"200 Cigarettes" is a collection of snapshots of the night. There are many people in the story, and all of them looking for love of varying length. I think the Kate Hudson's subplot stands out because she is so innocent, and yet her date is such a philanderer. Christina Ricci and her friend looking for a party is quite hilarious, while Paul Rudd's subplot really stirs up emotions as he and his female friend struggles for power.

"200 Cigarettes" may be a party film in disguise, but it is more a film to feel rather than a film to entertain. Viewers will find a character in the film to identify with, and feel the emotions.

I thought this movie was very entertaining. I loved every minute of it. I love nostalgic movies about the 1980's, and this is one of the better ones to come out recently. Courtney Love stood out as the best actress in the movie; she definitely stole the show. I only had one complaint, there were lots of high quality stars, but not enough time devoted to each individual one. Go out and see this one. It is worth the time! :-)

200 Cigarettes

The best way to quit smoking is to replace cigarettes with food. Conversely, the best way to lose weight is to replace food with cigarettes.

Fortunately, the acquaintances in this ensemble comedy are more apt to resolve to have better relationships this year.

On the last day of 1981, Monica (Martha Plimpton) agonizes over the attendance record of her New Year's Eve party.

Elsewhere, two teens from Long Island (Gaby Hoffmann, Christina Ricci) navigate the streets of New York, while two opposites (Kate Hudson, Jay Mohr) embark on an uncomfortable first date.

Across town, life-long friends (Courtney Love, Paul Rudd) confront their sexual tension. And chaperoning the couples around is a sage and sedate cabbie (Dave Chappelle).

An amorous anthology of quirky couples dealing with riotous relationship woes, 200 Cigarettes assembles a talented cast to supply the absurdity.

Besides, January 31 isn't about unfulfilled expectations; it's about dispelling end-of-world prophecies. (Green Light)

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The main reason I saw this film was because of the cast- it has a great line up of young talent, some who are fairly new and some that have been around for ages. The film itself is fairly incoherent in places, with many storylines running at the one time. I thought Kate Hudson was fantastic in her first main role, and Paul Rudd was good as always. Gaby Hoffman probably put in the most irritating performance of her career to date, while Ben Affleck didnt really have much to do. The story itself is pretty simplistic, focusing on new years eve where a bunch of people are slowly making their way to a party hosted by Martha Plimpton's character. Only a few of the characters have any real depth to them, with many just skimming the surface, thus remaining shallow like most of the dialogue in the film. There are some scenes that work, others that don't - a real hit and miss - if you like the actors in it- then watch it- if you don't, then stay well clear.

This movie had a lot of bad things said about it upon its release, but my girlfriend dragged me to it anyway. I didn't really like it, but after extended conversation, we realized exactly what we were dealing with.

And that is, a movie before its time. Most all cinema, both in and out of Hollywood, is brought to us by upper-class white males, complete with their beliefs, morals, what have you. One would argue, then, that even if a film came from someone who was not an upper-class white male would still have to work within that system, probably even being influenced by it, in order to get a film made.

Note, then, that this film was written by a woman, and directed by a woman. The characters in it are not testoserone-driven or in any way the pumped-up dumbed-down characters we have seen in recent decades. They are sensitive, but open to communication, a little irrational at times, but still human. They are characters from the female mind, a female psychology, and have very feminine ways in interacting with each other.

Then note that is was probably marketed by the same male-dominated Hollywood.

This is, of course, mostly backed up with the amount of psychology classes I have taken, but the simple version is that when this movie was new, I discussed it with many of my friends. All of the men either had no desire to see it, or hated it. Every single one of the women thought it was excellent.

Granted, this is a common rationale used by people who think themselves movie critics, but just you try seeing with a member of the opposite sex, and see how your opinions differ.

This is the first movie of a New Hollywood, tho it will certainly not be remmebered as such. Check it out and see what I mean.