That’s how mine have gone. Your experiences may vary.

However, amid all the disappointing New Year’s Eve celebrations, there are a few gems. Similarly, this list is populated by several overhyped empty films, but peppered with a few memorable ones, as well.

So chill the champagne and tell the sitter you’ll be home by one, even though you have no intention of being back before 3 AM, because the new year is upon us.

The Godfather Part II

Say what you want about Batista, but the man can throw one hell of a New Year’s eve bash. There’s nothing that this party doesn’t have, including the Sicilian kiss of death from Michael Corleone to his brother Fredo after learning that Fredo betrayed the family. Batista announces that he is stepping down after rebels gain power, the party dissolves and everyone goes batshit crazy celebrating and rioting in the streets as the tides turn.

Much more interesting than watching the ball drop with either Ryan Seacrest or Dick Clark.

Trading Places

On this New Year’s Eve (possibly New Year’s Day), a man dressed in a gorilla suit got raped by an actual gorilla. There are some other occurrences germane to the plot, but the real takeaway here is that a man got raped by a gorilla.

Really, Frank? I know I hate sequels more than most, but that one was pretty damn good.

The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, which might be enough to validate its production for most auteurs. It’ unknown what his problem was with the second installment, which followed Michael Corleone’s tumultuous reign at the top and featured flashbacks to Vito’s days of cutting his teeth as a gangster.

I’m trying to think of a sarcastic or funny take on the film that could have caused Coppola to dislike the movie, but I’m drawing blanks. It’s awesome.

Also, we’ve spent enough time ignoring the elephant in the room – Francis Ford Coppola hangs out at nightclubs in Hollywood?