200 Cigarettes: A Comedy Film of New Year’s Eve 1981

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Introduction

Firstly, 200 Cigarettes is a 1999 American comedy film directed by Risa Bramon Garcia and written by Shana Larsen. This ensemble cast film takes place on New Year’s Eve 1981 in New York City, following multiple characters as they navigate their way to a party hosted by Monica. With a star-studded cast including Ben and Casey Affleck, Dave Chappelle, Christina Ricci, and Paul Rudd, this film offers a humorous and nostalgic look at love, friendship, and celebration.

Plot

Secondly, The film is set on New Year’s Eve in 1981, and it follows various plot arcs as multiple characters make their way to Monica’s party. Monica, played by Martha Plimpton, is anxious that no one will attend her party, but her friend Hillary, played by Catherine Kellner, is the first to arrive. As Monica tries to convince Hillary to stay, we are introduced to other characters who are also on their way to the party.

Thirdly, One of the plotlines follows Monica’s cousin Val, played by Christina Ricci, and her friend Stephie, played by Gaby Hoffmann, who accidentally end up in a punk club in the Alphabet City section of the city. They meet Dave, played by Guillermo Díaz, and Tom, played by Casey Affleck, who have a “package” they need to deliver.

Fourthly, Another storyline focuses on Cindy, played by Kate Hudson, who is on a dinner date with Jack, played by Jay Mohr. Cindy’s ditsy and awkward personality clashes with Jack’s paranoia, creating comedic moments throughout the film.

Furthermore, Lucy, played by Courtney Love, and her best friend Kevin, played by Paul Rudd, struggle with their mutual attraction and unresolved sexual tension. Lucy buys Kevin a carton of cigarettes for his birthday, which he despises, leading to unexpected surprises later in the film.

Moreover, Meanwhile, Kevin’s feminist ex-girlfriend Ellie, played by Janeane Garofalo, walks in on Kevin and Lucy making out in a restroom stall, adding another layer of complexity to their relationships.

Also, The film also introduces a flirtatious bartender, played by Ben Affleck, and competitive friends Bridget, played by Nicole Ari Parker, and Caitlyn, played by Angela Featherstone, who try to ditch Bridget’s boyfriend Eric, played by Brian McCardie.

Finally, Throughout the evening, these characters encounter an eccentric cab driver, played by Dave Chappelle, who takes them on a wild ride around town in his disco-themed taxi.

Eventually, all the characters find their way to Monica’s party, even though Monica herself has passed out from drinking too much. The next morning, Monica wakes up to find unfamiliar faces in her apartment, including Stephie, who tells her what a hit the party was. Monica is thrilled, especially when she learns that Elvis Costello made an appearance.

Cast

Lastly, The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, each bringing their unique comedic talents to their respective roles. Here are some of the notable cast members:

1. Ben Affleck as Bartender
2. Casey Affleck as Tom
3. Dave Chappelle as Disco Cabbie
4. Elvis Costello as himself
5. Guillermo Díaz as Dave
6. Angela Featherstone as Caitlyn
7. Janeane Garofalo as Ellie
8. Gaby Hoffmann as Stephie
9. Kate Hudson as Cindy
10. Catherine Kellner as Hillary
11. Courtney Love as Lucy
12. Jay Mohr as Jack
13. Nicole Ari Parker as Bridget
14. Martha Plimpton as Monica
15. Christina Ricci as Val
16. Paul Rudd as Kevin

Reception and Box Office

Upon its release, 200 Cigarettes received mixed reviews from critics. It grossed $6.9 million at the box office, slightly surpassing its $6 million budget.

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 30% approval rating based on 63 reviews, with an average rating of 4.4/10. The consensus states that it is a “clumsy and scattered comedy with a poorly executed script.”

Todd McCarthy of Variety magazine criticized the film, describing it as “dismally unfunny” and questioning if any director could have overcome the limitations of the script. However, Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle gave the film a positive review, praising the well-written moments and the comedic performances.

Conclusion

200 Cigarettes is a delightful comedy film that captures the spirit of New Year’s Eve in 1981. With its ensemble cast and intertwining storylines, the film offers a humorous and nostalgic look at love, friendship, and celebration. Despite receiving mixed reviews, it remains a cult favorite among fans of 90s comedies. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy this quirky and entertaining film.

Keywords: 200 Cigarettes, comedy film, New Year’s Eve 1981, ensemble cast, review, box office

Additional Information: The film’s soundtrack features songs from the 1980s, including tracks by Blondie, Elvis Costello, and The Cars. The disco-themed taxi driven by Dave Chappelle’s character adds a unique visual element to the film.