Writer: Audrey Ker

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Watch this if you liked: “He’s Just Not That Into You”, “Love Actually”, “Feast Of Love”

Valentine's Day - that time of year one either loves (because one is already in love) or hates (because one is all alone in the midst of all the lovey-dovey couples). So many different emotions associated with this day.

Which is exactly what acclaimed director Garry Marshall ("Pretty Woman" 1990, "Runaway Bride" 1999) intends to show in his latest offering. "Valentine's Day" shows seven different stories intertwined together on that special day and the different perspectives of love that one might encounter in his / her life. You see, love is not just a bed of roses (so to speak). There is also heartbreak, and Marshall brings all of these into light. From the first crush of a young boy, a proposal on Valentine's Day, or the party organised by singles who hated Valentine's Day, to the never-ending love of an elderly couple; "Valentine's Day" highlights all the pinnacles and pitfalls of love.

The stellar cast alone is enough to draw an audience for the movie. To name just a few: Jessica Alba ("Fantastic Four"), Jessica Biel ("I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry"), Bradley Cooper ("The Hangover"), Patrick Dempsey ("Enchanted"), Jamie Foxx ("Ray"), Jennifer Garner ("Juno"), Julia Roberts ("Erin Brockovich"), Anne Hathaway ("Rachel Getting Married"), Ashton Kutcher ("What Happens in Vegas"), Taylor Lautner ("The Twilight Saga: New Moon")...and the list goes on. Multi-award winning singer Taylor Swift also has an appearance here!

With so many stars in the lineup, one would think that there would be clashes between them on screen time. However, Marshall delicately balanced the different stories, allowing the characters to have enough development and let each and every actor have their moment to shine.

Do not expect the movie to be all lovey-dovey though. Marshall also managed to incorporate many comedic moments into the movie, shedding light on the many cliches of Valentine's Day. The timing of these moments was just impeccable. A memorable example would be the voiceover of a radio deejay at the beginning and the end of the movie. Even in the midst of the saccharine sweet atmosphere, he manages to crack a few laughs with his very 'wise' observations on Valentine's Day.

So, come Valentine's Day, this movie is definitely one to catch. Whether you are deeply in love and crave something that makes you go 'Awww!', or you're single and just want to have a few laughs on the subject you hate most (aka LOVE), "Valentine's Day" will satisfy all that and more.


Cinema Online, 10 February 2010