By Frances Ruiz
Staff Writer
Delivering an unparalleled sense of passion, excitement, disappointment and humiliation with every bite-sized, heart-shaped candy, Valentine’s Day is a romantic comedy that not only gives an entirely new meaning to the widely celebrated holiday but also provides viewers with an entirely new take on love.
Taking place over the course of one Valentine’s Day, the film begins with an overdramatized proposal between flower enthusiast Reed Bennett (Ashton Kutcher) and his girlfriend Morley Clarkson (Jessica Alba). As Bennett works throughout the day, however, he quickly comes to realize with the help of his quick witted co-worker Alphonso (George Lopez) that for himself and for many others, including his best friend Julia Fitzpatrick (Jennifer Garner), Valentine’s Day simply serves as yet another opportunity to experience the joy, misery and complete satisfaction associated with finding true love.
Complete with an all-star cast of Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Eric Dane, Julia Roberts, Topher Grace, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner, Emma Roberts and Taylor Swift, the film packs as much punch with its situational humor and nonstop laughter as it does with its stellar cast performances.
Although it takes a while for the story to gain momentum as the backgrounds of each character had to be introduced and properly set up, once the ball gets rolling, viewers will be anxious for more. And while some may think of the film as overwhelming and confusing in nature, as there was little time devoted towards each character and their newly-introduced story line, the movie maintained a sense of order and provided quirky opportunities for enjoyment throughout.
Despite the few shortcomings which may have resulted, the film more than made up for them with its odd and unusual outlets for humor. Instances such as Hathaway’s mysterious and risqué phone calls which required her to speak in different accents continually kept the audience doubled over in laughter as well as Foxx’s delivery of comedic one-liners. By avoiding the ridiculousness of candy heart sayings and romantic clichés that would make most audiences want to bring their lunches back up, Valentine’s Day serves as a refreshing take and unique installment on a not so-original and, at times, over done holiday.
Mirroring movies such as He’s Just Not That Into You, this film utilizes a variety of people from all backgrounds and ages to emphasize the meaning in finding and maintaining true love, enduring and moving past heartbreak, valuing and understanding the meaning of sex and learning to look past (as well as sometimes give in) to the utterly silly, embarrassing, costly and romantic ideals of Valentine’s Day.
