On the most depressing day of the year for single women everywhere, “Valentine’s Day” aims to lighten the mood with an amusing romantic storyline.
The movie follows several characters whose lives become intertwined in a single day in Los Angeles as they find the real meaning of love beyond stereotypical romance. These characters face a variety of real life problems, from the trials of a blooming high school romance to those that arise after 50 years of marriage.
The movie presents each situation in a clear and humorous way, though it never lacks in touching moments that bring some sentiment to the screen. It walks the line between chick flick and comedy perfectly.
The star studded cast meshes extremely well together, as do the linking stories. Even with the constant new connections between characters and the sudden switches in the storyline, it is not difficult for the viewer to keep up.
Reed Bennett (Ashton Kutcher) serves as the central character in “Valentine’s Day.” His touching romantic sentiment toward his girlfriend Morley (Jessica Alba) allows viewers to fall immediately in love with his sappy, puppy-dog devotion to her. Reed becomes an even more lovable character as he tries to rescue his best friend, Julia Fitzpatrick (Jennifer Garner), from extreme heartache.
Kutcher’s portrayal of Reed completely redeems him from his stoner days on “That 70’s Show.” In addition, Garner perfectly plays the role of the hopeless romantic.
As for others in the LA area, Valentine’s Day forces Jason (Topher Grace) and Liz (Anne Hathaway) to test their hot and heavy, two-week-old relationship against the societal pressures of the holiday.
Liz’s slightly scandalous job adds an unexpected comedic twist to the movie, as most viewers remember Hathaway as the innocent Princess Mia from the “Princess Diaries” or as the highly-motivated Andy in “The Devil Wears Prada.”
Other unexpected character portrayals came from the extremely sexy exes Bradley Cooper (Holden) and Eric Dane (Sean Jackson). Sean Jackson, an aging NFL player, comes across as a deeply sentimental character trying to make a decision about his future in the NFL versus having a family. Holden appears to be coming on to Captain Kate Hazeltine (Julia Roberts) as she reads his body language.
George Lopez as Alphonso was, oddly, the voice of reason to the love struck characters. Lopez’s chemistry and friendship with Kutcher was genuine, still maintaining his typical humorous personality through entertaining banter.
Jessica Biel plays Kara Monahan, a neurotic publicist who passionately hates Valentine’s Day, until she meets her unlikely match with sports broadcaster Kelvin Moore (Jamie Foxx). Biel embraces her slightly crazy character, although her constant negativity about Valentine’s Day gets old. Foxx needs to enunciate a little more when he speaks, but he is still highly likeable in his attempts to balance both his journalistic and romantic struggles.
Possibly the most annoying couple was the Taylors. Taylor Swift plays Felicia, a high school student who is literally too stupid to function. She can’t pull off the dumb blonde stereotype well, although she does have her funny moments. Luckily, Taylor Lautner as Willy can save any movie. Unfortunately, he doesn’t take his shirt off, and, in a comment directed at his “New Moon” character, said, “I don’t feel comfortable taking my shirt off in public.” Every girl in the country just died a little inside.
Alba, Roberts, and Emma Roberts as Grace were average, but not show stealers.
Alba was awkward in her role as a career first, love second woman and was easy to hate in her relationship with Kutcher.
Julia, who was paid $3 million for her six minutes onscreen, according to the “New York Magazine,” wasn’t worth it at all. She does redeem herself with a touching moment at the end involving Edison (Bryce Robinson) that brought tears to our eyes.
Emma actually makes the movie slightly uncomfortable at times. She doesn’t have the acting skills to take control of her role and her chemistry with on-screen boyfriend Carter Jenkins (Alex) was lacking. Maybe it was just the fact that her character was meant to be a somewhat awkward one, but she manages to take it to a new level. However, two young stars burst forward onto the screen. Robinson steals the show as a beyond precious 5th grader who stops at no lengths to get flowers for his chosen valentine. He portrays the most innocent aspect of Valentine’s Day love.
Minor character Franklin, a friend of Edison’s, lightens the mood. His definition of Valentine’s Day as “a massacre in Chicago where lots of people were killed and they put a curse on the Chicago Cubs” stands out as one the most perfectly timed and delivered lines in the movie.
“Valentine’s Day” breaks the mold of typical Valentine’s Day chick flicks by focusing heavily on humor and a variety of storylines which keep the movie from becoming too depressing for single ladies.
Kate Froehlich can be reached for comment at [email protected]
Katie Clarke can be reached for comment at [email protected]