‘Valentine’s Day’ – One Day Romance from Garry Marshall

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From director, Garry Marshalle, to be honest, this is one of those movies I really shouldn’t like because its moral compass is wrong. But nonetheless, still… I do “like” it.

Valentine’s Day (2010) Film Review 

For native LA-ers, It’s just another bright, beautiful day in Los Angeles. It’s Valentine’s Day; the one day a year when perhaps even the most cynical of romantics make grand gestures. Flower shops across the city are unable to meet the demand, and some boyfriends take the ultimate leap: they propose to their sweethearts. Reed Bennett (Ashton Kutcher) makes such a gesture. He pops the question to his highly successful girlfriend Morley (Jessica Alba) who (to everyone but Reed’s surprise), says yes!

Overjoyed, Reed heads off to work at his small but flourishing florist, where he wastes no time in sharing the good news including with elementary teacher Julia Fitzpatrick (Jennifer Garner). Best friends for what seems forever, Julia is Reed’s companion when Morley shuns silly movies or isn’t curious about sports. Now Julia is in a promising relationship with a charming doctor (Patrick Dempsey), something that may potentially wreck their bond. Or bring her heartache.

Valentine’s Day for others brings nothing but misery. Publicist Kara Monahan (Jessica Biel) is one of those people. Annually she hosts an “I Hate Valentine’s Day” bash, whose only guest is usually friend Julia. Only this year she finds an ally in sportscaster Kelvin Moore (Jamie Foxx). Meanwhile, mail room worker Jason (Topher Grace) has an unfortunate epiphany about Valentine’s Day. His girlfriend of three weeks, Liz (Anne Hathaway), rushed away this morning and now he knows why… or so he thinks.

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Because of its content load I cannot easily recommend this. The cast and director were the big draws, and although it does have touching instances, there’s a question; are they worth wading through everything else that sours the romantic fluff? One thing filmmakers manage effortlessly is “killing” the mood of scenes that are upbeat until a line ruins it. As another reviewer shares – sorry, we like to be swept off our feet first not have our romantic notions crushed; and that last line of dialogue sneaking in the script to close everything out just doesn’t cut it.

But I’m jumping ahead of myself. There is still plenty I do love about this film. Uncharacteristic of a typical Garry Marshall (Princess Diaries, Runaway Bride) this one is less wholesome, although there are snippets that remind us why we so love this “iconic” director’s works. Valentine’s Day sparkles with its own kind of charm. Its biggest problem is that rarely is the humor “acceptable” in that it comes across as genuine. Country darling Taylor Swift provides for the few genuinely comical scenes there are (she is just adorable as the ditzy, but sweet Felicia); she and fellow co-star Taylor Lautner have adorable chemistry as love-struck teens. Similarly, youngster Bryce Robinson is adorable.

Speaking of the cast, this one assembles an all-star group. This includes Emma and Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine and Bradley Cooper. I love nearly everyone’s story arc with exception to two . Both, for reasons I won’t get into because spoilers. This in no way diminishes the fact that everyone is fantastic in their respective roles. Especially Jessica Biel’s hilarious Valentine’s-Day-hater.

Not to be lost among the rubble is the touching story of an Army captain making a trip home for a mere 24 hours. Or the meaningful marriage between a secondary couple. Regardless of its flaws, the script does contain some interesting statements which deserve credit. If you’re fine overlooking a few missteps and missing moral content, Valentine’s Day entertains. It’s one I like to indulge in on its named day. Right or wrong, it always leaves me with a smile because of its happily-ever-afters. ♥

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Rent or buy Valentine’s Day on Amazon Video or purchase it on DVD.

Love a #ValentinesDay (or *any*) night 'in'? Consider Garry Marshall's ensemble romcom (appropriately titled), ‘Valentine’s Day’ – One Day Romance from Garry Marshall. #HappyMovies #WhattoWatch Click To Tweet

This one is PG13 for: one character is a “phone sex” entertainer, another is a homosexual. Other concerns pepper the screenplay, including references to teenagers planning a noon-time, intimate rendezvous and a woman dating a married man [unknowingly], plus a past extra marital affair is uncovered. Women show a lot of leg when awaking during opening credits and low-cut camisoles or dresses. There’s references to making-out and -love. Drinking is an issue. Profanity is littered throughout [h*ll, da*n and if memory serves me right, even an F-word].