My fiancee and I were invited to a couple's house for swimming dinner and a movie. South Texas is a wonderful place for such events, especially during the heat of July. With hair askew from the pool and a full belly, I settled in for the all star cast movie, "Valentines Day."
This movie was a futile attempt at cleverness seasoned with a riveting all star cast whose acting style came right out of an episode of "Love Boat.". Unlike many of the films I review, this one was adequately acted though not at a feature film level. If I had wasted $25 on admission and popcorn I would have been pretty annoyed.
"It came off a little too Christmas movie of the week meets "Love American Style."
The writers really let the talent down on this one. The entire premise of the film was meant to be clever with a quirky slant. It came off a little too Christmas movie of the week meets "Love American Style." I may be cynical, but the whole 'Christmas comes but once a year' urgency applied to hearts and flowers day sentiment echoed hollowly.
When was the last time a drama featuring an all star cast didn't bomb? In the 70's, comedies like "It's a Mad Mad Mad World" did well because of its intended and delivered campiness. Comedy can be presented in a herd environment but I think love stories, if that's what any of these situations meant to portray, is a couples thing.
"The obvious social study plugs were a little over cooked..."
The obvious social study plugs were a little over cooked, in my opinion: Jennifer Beal and the interracial thing, Jennifer Garner and her waitress revenge on her married boyfriend (she flew to Philly to meet him but the Mai tra de facilitated her restaurant clearing actions because she taught his kid in school?), Bradley Cooper and his plot revealing gay relationship with the pro quarterback who recently came out on national TV, and Ashton Kutcher adorned in pink so we would know he is so vulnerable and sensitive. What happened to George Lopez? Did they cast him as the token Mexican comedy side kick on purpose?
"In Nashville they have "Fanfair" In Hollywood they make a cheesey ensemble movie."
The premise of the movie was transparent and self serving. The plots were equally predictable and sophomorically intertwined. The light-hearted intent was artificial and preserved at the cost of true dramatic impact. It became apparent early on that the only redeeming quality of this film was the cast. In Nashville they have "Fanfair" In Hollywood they make a cheesey ensemble movie.
I file this movie under the occasional "Hollywood Reunion Film" which is inflicted on fans from time to time. Zanex would have been cheaper and less frustrating.
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