Valentine's Day - A Movie Review

There is never just one story on Valentine’s Day.

Showing up in theaters in 2010, Valentine’s Day revolves around ten different stories. Each having a distinct view of love, couples spend a crazy day trying to understand or bend the rules of this holiday.

Thinking that Valentine’s Day was going to be one of those obvious rom-coms that was similar to the film, Love, Actually, I was wrong. Exploring ten contrasting stories on one Valentine’s Day, this holiday is given an assortment of definitions.

Noted as one of the largest ensemble casts in Hollywood history, many well-known faces appear in Valentine’s Day. The cast includes faces who have been on the screen for decades or who were just starting in their careers. Everyone did a noteworthy job.

To name a few credits Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Jamie Foxx, Emma Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Shirley McClain, and many more. Ashton Kutcher surprised me. Known for playing comedic goofballs, he demonstrates a more serious side. The entire cast is given a chance to express a quality of themselves that audiences have never seen.

Due to the capacity of the characters, you have to pay attention at all times because it is very easy to miss a single detail. I was furiously writing down notes as I watched this film so I would not miss anything. These types of stories are my favorite. Following one story is boring. When you have more, it makes for a better conclusion for audiences to relate to.

Editing is vital for a story like this. Because we are following ten different stories, each segment has to be given equal time. The stories intertwine. I will note that more time could have been given for character development. Although it is something we have seen, it’s entertaining.

Valentine’s Day has a similar plot-line to Love, Actually. In contrast to Love, Actually, one component that Valentine’s Day did a better job with was the story. Every sequence mattered, whereas in Love, Actually there were segments that felt unresolved and unnecessary.

One of my favorite segments revolved around two people on a plane. You never know who you are going to meet up with. Learning a person’s story is one of the most important responsibilities.

Valentine’s Day had a few cringe-worthy scenes. I felt that one segment was unnecessary because it did not add much. Then again, love is many different definitions. We’re all learning about it every day. It will make us blind, happy, or make you feel emotions that you don’t want to feel. The lessons learned are crucial.

Garry Marshall took the liberties to deliver the unexpected to audiences. Marshall worked closely with each actor and their segment. Because he was working with several actors who were fan-favorites to the public, he did not give anyone too much or too little to work on.

I am thankful that Marshall also took a risk at showcasing love that was not between the average couple. Our world has changed. Love is no longer black and white.

Valentine’s Day is a busy holiday. Love is sloppy, dramatic, unfair, but it is an amazing gift. What does this day mean to you? Nobody says that you have to be in a relationship to be happy. What matters is that you are living the life that you want with people who care about you.

I had a fun time watching Valentine’s Day. It made my heart feel warm. If I could I would go back and watch it for the first time again. Get out a box of chocolate and watch Valentine’s Day on your holiday.