Love stinks, Cupid’s fat and roses eventually die.
So, how does one who is anti-Valentine celebrate the most romantic and popular cultural holiday of the year?
By joining single girlfriends to see the new Garry Marshall directed film, ‘Valentine’s Day’, which evidently can make you feel as though you are suffocating in bubble wrap made from bubble gum.
Headlining an all-star ensemble including Jessica Alba, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher and Julia Roberts just to name a few, the cast comes together and follows the intertwining story lines of a diverse group for a spin around L.A. on Valentine’s Day.
There are a handful of stories within the story and at first makes you feel like you are watching several mini movies at once. Keep up, because it’s a bit confusing as it pulls you in different directions and just when you think you have it figured out, it makes a turn you didn’t see coming. In the end you realize the joy was in the entire journey as it splendidly captures every nuance of break-ups and make-ups based on the pressures and expectations of Valentine’s Day.
The most prominent actor in this star cast is undoubtedly Ashton Kutcher. Kutcher, a floral shop owner, proposes to his uninterested girlfriend (Alba), and in the meantime discovers that his best friend’s (Garner) boyfriend (Dempsey) is actually married. He faces a love crisis, but we can barely take in his feelings because Marshall is so busy loading his candy box with other lovers, wannabes, lonely-hearts, a kid infatuated by his teacher, lingerie and puppies.
In another story, a phone-sex operator (Hathaway) is scared to let her boyfriend (Grace) know what kind of job she holds. Then there’s a romance-hating publicist (Biel) who is helping her client (Dane) manage a media storm. It also shows a story of two total strangers (Roberts and Cooper) beginning a conversation on a trans-Atlantic flight.
And for all the werewolf and country music loving teens, the movie also includes a bunch of up-and-coming stars (Swift, Lautner, Roberts and Jenkins) who are dealing with issues related to sex.
Katherine Fugate writes a witty, puzzle of a script. She weaves the players in and out of the story line and never lingers too long, which helps the film move at a quick pace. The only thing I question is the arc of Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift as high school sweethearts. Each of their scenes plays more like an SNL skit and could have easily been left out.
By far, my favourite story is The Hathaway-Grace relationship. Hathaway will surprise you in this unexpected character she plays, and yes, nails. Add to the fact Hathaway also takes the best dressed award; living up to her memorable “The Devil Wears Prada” performance. While on their Valentine’s Day dinner date, Hathaway show stops in a classy royal blue, back-belted mini dress. So, so stunning. I’m still in fashion-awe.
The overall performances of the other actors are good. It’s a cute, predictable love story, but a good watch. If ever there was the perfect date movie for this red holiday, “Valentine’s Day” is it. I give it 3 out of 5 stars, plus a kiss on the cheek. It’s destined to join your Love Actually, The Holiday, He’s Just Not That Into You collection.
Valentine’s Day (2010) is Directed by Pretty Woman’s Garry Marshall.
In theatres Friday, February 12.
I love this review, May! I wanted to see this movie but I can’t find anyone who’ll endure this saccharine stuff with me.
The stories sound pretty interesting, though I can’t imagine Hathaway as a sex-phone operator.
Wow, your review made me almost – key word ALMOST – want to go out and see this movie. Sounds a lot like Love Actually, which was mildly entertaining. In the end, I’ll probably wait for it to go on DVD and watch it at home when I run out of action / comedy movies & shows to watch. That, or someone forces me to watch it…
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