It`s New Years Eve 1981 in New York City. Monica, Martha Plimpton, who lacks self-esteem, is giving a party - but she`s certain no-one`s going to show up. While she waits, getting increasingly more agitated, the possible party goers are having various encounters. Monica`s ex, Eric, Brian McCardie, an artist who specialises in paintings of vaginas, has some humiliating setbacks. Cindy, Kate Hudson, sweet and accident-prone, lost her virginity the night before to self-opinionated Jack, Jay Mohr - will their relationship survive another night?
Meanwhile Kevin, Paul Rudd, upset because his girl, Janeane Garofalo, has dumped him, spends a night with his friend, Lucy, Courtney Love. Elsewhere, a couple of would-be sophisticated young woman, Bridget, Nicole Parker, and Caitlyn, Angela Featherstone, check out the male talent, especially bartender Ben Affleck. And then there are a pair of decidedly unsophisticated young teens from the sticks, Val, Christina Ricci, and Stephie, Gaby Hoffman - they`re all trying to have a good time...
Risa Bramon Garcia`s very enjoyable ensemble film breaks no new ground, but the terrific cast are really good and the misadventures of these sometimes forlorn fun-seekers unfold both humourously and, at times, painfully. Stand-out performances come from Christina Ricci, Martha Plimpton and Kate Hudson, but they`re all very good, and there`s a terrific soundtrack of 80s music. I don`t know if 200 cigarettes get smoked during the night, but a lot of booze is consumed...
