“Valentine’s Day” gives viewers a lot to love
Valentine’s Day seamlessly intertwines multiple love stories into a comical and heartfelt film that boasts more than just an all-star cast. The film follows numerous LA couples, singles and friends on Valentine’s Day as they face the pressures of the ultimate cliché-ridden holiday.
The diverse cast, including Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifa, Julia Roberts and more, provides for non-stop interest as characters break-up, make-up and discover love. Reminiscent of films like Love Actually and He’s Just Not That Into You, the film flawlessly connects characters in an intricate web of humor, irony and even a few unexpected twists.
From an elementary school student determined to win over his crush to a recent college graduate paying off student loans by working for a phone-sex line, the film has something for every viewer—Valentine’s Day lovers and haters alike. Everyone can relate to at least one character: Two high school students (Emma Roberts and Carter Jenkins), a seemingly perfect couple (Shirley MacLaine and Hector Elizondo) with an old secret, or the cynics (Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx) who start to reconsider what the holiday is really about.
Some plotlines receive more attention than others—Ashton Kutcher, for example, receives more screen time than any other actor in the film—but each one adds something different to the film’s message. Valentine’s Day emphasizes that the importance of the Hallmark holiday doesn’t lie in candied hearts and pink bouquets but letting someone know how much you care about them. The film urges viewers to recognize that love is not planned but rather, as Emma Roberts’ character believes, “just happens,” often in unexpected places.
Despite the variety and intricacy of the plotline, however, the commercial push behind the movie is difficult to ignore. A flat presentation in an unnecessary role by singer Taylor Swift reminds viewers that certain actors were most likely cast in the hopes that their star power would fill seats.
While it is not Oscar material, Valentine’s Day finds just the right balance of funny and sentimental moments for what could easily be the ultimate feel-good movie of the year.
