‘New in Town’: An Underrated Romance with Renee Zellweger
I don’t remember why, but am pretty sure this is one of those films I went to see in theaters. Likely it was because the film would mix comedy and romance, which is always a winner in my book. Add in the fact that Renee Zellweger stars, and you have the potential for a pretty good time movie. new in town
New in Town (2009) Film Review
Living in Miami and succeeding in a corporate profession, Lucy Hill (Zellweger) isn’t exactly prepared for her next task. Part of her job is to consolidate and shutter plants. This time, she must travel to Minnesota as a part of the corporate restructure plan. What she doesn’t expect is the (over!) friendly community she finds, and the importance of this plant to these people.
Things become tense when the union rep, Ted Mitchell (Harry Connick Jr.) becomes involved, and Lucy finds herself becoming friends with some of the people she’s working with.
This is one of those films I didn’t know I’d never written my thoughts down for. But if I have, it’s a review lost in the netherworlds. However, I did write this review shortly after re-watching this film (some 6 months or so ago) only recently, well, my entire USB drive malfunctioned which means, I lost hundreds of social media graphics as well as reviews. Needless to say, it hasn’t been a good week and I’m more than a little annoyed to have to re-write this. Still, I’ve seen this film enough times to sit down and try to accurately express my opinions of this 2009 romance. Because, this is what we do.
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So, onto New in Town. I cannot remember exactly my thoughts after first seeing this film, but do know, it’s quite entertaining. It has a fun sense of humor, especially with the clash that is location cultures (Florida vs. the North in Minnesota). Also fun to know is that though set in MN, this films in Canada in one of THE coldest regions according to the making of features. Despite this, there are smiles all around and everyone has fun in the making of.
Zellweger is also quite hilarious in this role, which for some reason kind of surprises me. She plays the role well and does comedy pretty darn good, too (again why is this a surprise?). Her scenes with Harry Connick Jr. aren’t many (at least not by most romantic-comedy standards), but do have that cute factor; especially the outdoor sequence.
Not unlike any other small town romance, this is a plot specific story I’ve seen, we’ll say, a few times. It’s not that I mind considering I enjoy these kinds of wholesome romance movies. New in Town is one of those endearing little films that most of the time seems underrated. It’s fun and a good little movie to enjoy during the winter months, and despite the fact that we’re emerging from the season, it’s still a fun choice.
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Do you like this Renee Zellweger film? Feels like one that doesn't get enough love to me! ‘New in Town’: An Underrated Romance with Renee Zellweger. Reviewing the 2009 comedy film with Zellweger & Harry Connick Jr. #Movies #Comedy… Share on X
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Content: There’s some minor innuendo and suggestive sexual remarks, along with some commonplace profanity, but never “too much.” The film is only PG.
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This is a family favorite, since my mom originates from the area of Minnesota referenced in the film. The culture and accents are spot on. Blanche is such a great character and really makes the movie for me.
YES! I love Blanche; and I love knowing that the cast/writers got everything right. That makes it more fun. :)
I actually have a copy of this on my TBW shelves, waiting for me to be in the mood for something cute. It’s supposed to be set in a town in MN I’ve actually been to, as I went to college in MN, so that’s an added attraction for me :-)
Fun! Hope you enjoy this one, Rachel. It’s always neat to discover a story that you feel a kind of connection to. Let me know what you think if you see it. :)