Watched it again for NYE2020, and I never felt so nostalgic for NYC-NYE-crowded-dirty-seedy-dive-bars-diners-restaurants-cabs-and-house-parties in my whole life. Ever. Watch it now to remember life pre-Covid. Honestly, how did we survive it?

From MTV Films comes the throwback comedy 200 Cigarettes. The film follows several characters on New Year’s Eve 1981 as they work their way to a party in the East Village of New York City. Featuring Paul Rudd, Christina Ricci, Courtney Love, Ben Affleck, Dave Chappelle, Kate Hudson, and Jay Mohr, the cast is quite impressive. However, the performances vary, as do the character stories; with a couple of them being rather tedious and boring. Yet, there’s some interesting social commentary on relationships and the struggles that young people face. Additionally, the film makes good use of the ‘80s aesthetic in both the costuming and the soundtrack. Partying like it’s 1981, 200 Cigarettes delivers some fun times but has trouble joggling all of its characters and storylines.

I can’t believe this only has a 30% on rotten tomatoes. This movie is fkng great! Great characters, absolutely hilarious and the very epitome of nyc in the 90s. One of the best comedies ever made

Revisiting 200 Cigarettes reveals a film that isn't quite as good as I remembered, often feeling disjointed and, at times, fairly poorly written. The dialogue lacks the punch needed to sustain its ensemble energy, yet there is an undeniable charm in its messy ambition. I still kinda love the sheer amount of cameos, and the earnest attempt at a Linklater-style "slice of life" narrative that captures the frantic, nicotine-stained pulse of a 1981 New Year's Eve in the East Village. Even if the execution is clunky, the nostalgic atmosphere and the star-studded cast make it a cult curiosity worth a watch.

Looking for a New Year's Eve flirt.