Adorable is the most accurate word to use when describing “Valentine’s Day,” the new film in theaters now.
This Garry Marshall-directed film, which follows the tradition of Marshall’s “The Princess Diaries,” “Runaway Bride” and “Pretty Woman,” has an all-star cast who light up the screen with their chemistry as they all come together to put on an amazing performance.
Patrick Dempsey, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Garner, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper and Kathy Bates are just naming a few of the big-name actors in this film, which is sure to draw audiences to the theater. What will keep them there, though, is the cute storyline and “feel-good” theme of this film.
The main storyline revolves around Reed Bennett (Kutcher), who owns and operates a flower shop in Los Angeles. Kutcher, most commonly known through his ridiculous pranks on his MTV show “Punk’d,” plays a very different character in this film. He has matured in his acting, and it is evident to viewers as he plays a sensitive, hard-working, all-around good guy, who ends up being a sort of pushover. Even though his role seems unimportant, every character is centered around Kutcher, whether they’re ordering or receiving flowers, or they have a connection with somebody that is.
Jennifer Garner is another actor in this film that really shines. Garner plays the role of Julia Fitzpatrick, who is Bennett’s best friend and the love interest of Dr. Harrison Copeland (Dempsey). Garner has always been a beauty on screen, but in this role, she is radiant. Her character, Julia, is a school teacher, who just can’t seem to get it right when it comes to relationships. However, by the end of the film, she does figure out a very valuable life lesson, and things seem to end well for her.
Althought it may appear differently, “Valentine’s Day” isn’t just a movie for those who are in love because not every character in the movie is so adamant about romance. Jessica Biel plays the role of Kara Monahan, a woman who works at a PR firm and has an annual “I hate Valentine’s Day” party. This may appeal to those viewers who aren’t very optimistic about the holiday.
Another highlight of the film is Taylor Swift making her big screen debut as a high school dancer named Felicia. She is paired up with Taylor Lautner (better known for playing Jacob in “Twilight”), who plays a track star named Willy. Their on-screen romance is a bit awkward because they recently broke up in real life, however their chemistry is inevitable, and they both add humor to the film.
“Valentine’s Day” isn’t just for women. It has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy, and with such an amazing cast, anyone can find something to love about this movie, even after the holiday is over.
4/5 stars
