Opened February 12, 2010 | Runtime: 1 hr. 57 min.
PG-13 for some sexual material and brief partial nudity
According to Fandango, this is “a film about 10 people in Los Angeles whose lives intersect on the romantic holiday.” You’ve got a couple celebrating 51 years together, an elementary age boy who is “love sick”, and everything in between.
I expected to like what I figured would be a very predictable and cliche rom-com, ’cause basically I like these kinds of movies. What I didn’t expect was how funny, and unexpected it would be. The story-lines do not go the traditional route by any stretch of the imagination. The surprises are fun and will catch you off-guard. It’s a feel good about love kinda movie.
I especially loved the ways in which all the stories and people intersected with each other. Some sweet, some funny, some touching. Excellent writing. I thought this was a well thought out movie, carefully orchestrated (and speaking of orchestrated, look for the director Gary Marshall to make a quick appearance as part of a string trio towards the end of the movie.) Quite a few actors make quick, one scene flash-in-the-pan appearances and then are gone. This movie really keeps you guessing!
I think my favorite scene is Jessica Biel’s I Hate Valentine’s Day party. Jennifer Garner has quite an arm, don’t piss her off!! I am inspired to buy a giant pink heart-shaped pinata and beat the ever loving candy out of it! Valentine’s Day when you’re very very single (like I am) sorta sucks. So I guess it’s a really big testament to this movie that I liked it as much as I did!!
And a brief mention: don’t leave before the end credits start to roll. There’s a short take out reel that is possibly the funniest part of the movie!!
My overall review: they got this one right! Valentine’s Day is the perfect rom-com date night movie! Sure you can save it for Netflix, but then you won’t see it til summer. And that’s totally missing the point!
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Tags: Bradley Cooper, Gary Marshall, Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Julia Roberts, Kate Jacobs, Netflix, New Line Cinema, Valentine's Day
I think I would probably like this movie. I know my husband would not.
I will watch it on Netflix.
Thanks for the review, Tiffany. I’ll probably catch this when it comes on cable – I kind of like those big ensemble pieces (I saw He’s Just Not That In To You in bits and pieces when it came on HBO a few months back).
Pam – yeah, it’s not really a “guy” movie. But I guarantee that YOU will love it! It’s very much a chick flick rom com, one of the better ones I’ve seen in a while (though admittedly, not as funny as It’s Complicated. But that was one of a kind!
Jennie – it’s an excellent ensemble piece and if you liked He’s Just Not That Into You, then you’ll really like this one. It’s an ensemble cast that really works together and the storylines intertwine even better and more interestingly. About half way through you start trying to guess how different people are connected. It’s kinda like a game within the movie. Small hint: the Bradley Cooper connection will be the most surprising!
And Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!
My teenaged daughter saw it and hated it. When I asked her who was in it she answered, “Everyone.” LOL She was texting us during the movie a bit, which might be why she couldn’t follow it. I guess this chick flick is for older chicks?
Ann, this is definitely not a teen movie. Every “woman” I’ve talked to that saw it LOVED it. I went with both my mother and sister (she’s 26) and they were still talking about it today at breakfast. We saw it on Friday. So I’d say that it appeals to a wide variety of ages.
I’m guessing your teen wanted to see it because Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner were in it? Yeah, their parts were really small (and sorta lame) and I can see her being none to happy with that.
This is a grown up movie. Not to be confused with an adult film!
I was looking over the cast list to refresh my memory. Ann’s daughter was right – “everyone” is in it! I like a lot of the performers – Jennifer Garner, Kathy Bates (who is always wonderful IMO) and yummy Bradley Cooper.
A movie for grown-ups – I am there!
I saw the movie over the weekend. I loved it. It was funny and I loved the surprises. Good chic flick!