So many have compared “Valentine’s Day” to “Love Actually,” and while the former had some redeeming qualities, that comparison can be taken as nothing less than a bitch-slap to “Love Actually,” which is a somewhat underrated flick.
Directed by Garry Marshall, “Valentine’s Day” was repeatedly billed as having a “star-studded cast,” and I looked and I looked, but I just couldn’t find them. Sure, Anne Hathaway and Topher Grace had a unique storyline and an involving dynamic (but chemistry? Nah). Sure, Taylor Swift was rather amusing in her role. Sure, Patrick Dempsey was believable as a douche. But beyond that, the cast was a lineup of yawn-inducers. Then again, I just don’t really get Ashton Kusher, so that was a tough obstacle to overcome since this was largely his vehicle.
The film was largely a snooze-fest up until the ending, when a few surprises arose that helped to finish strong and propel the movie overall into the “serviceable” category. I wasn’t expecting very much, which made some of the twists very welcome, but all in all there was just way too much cheese for someone like me to withstand.
But the good news for those who are into trite, vacuous, themed, predictable flicks is that Marshall is back on board for a sequel, titled “New Year’s Eve” and slated to be released in December 2011. I’ll go out on a limb: Julia Roberts will sign on for the girl-next-door role, Dick Clark won’t, and the plot will involve crazed, single New Yorkers scrambling to find someone to kiss at New Year’s.
Sorry to spoil it for you already … that was my bad.
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