Valentine’s Day (2010)

Directed by: Garry Marshall | 125 minutes | comedy, romance | Actors: Taylor Lautner, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway, Taylor Swift, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Jamie Foxx, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Emma Roberts, Topher Grace, Patrick Dempsey, Joe Jonas, Eric Dane, George Lopez, Queen Latifah, Shirley MacLaine, Christine Lakin, Carter Jenkins, Hector Elizondo, Gishel Rafael

‘Valentine’s Day’ is the long-awaited American semi-remake of the English romantic Christmas comedy ‘Love Actually’ (2003). It should come as no surprise that it took so long: a rom-com in mosaic form requires above-average craftsmanship from the screenwriter and director. What was more surprising was the commercial and artistic success of ‘Alles is Liefde’, the Dutch Sinterklaas version of ‘Love Actually’. A success that earned the film a guaranteed spot in the December 5 broadcast schedule. Rightly so.

‘Valentine’s day’ is also a rom-com in mosaic form, but it is set during the Valentine’s Day meal on February 14. We follow a large number of characters who struggle with love to a greater or lesser extent. From a flower seller whose girlfriend, to everyone’s surprise, says ‘yes’ to his marriage proposal, to a school teacher who loses her heart to a smooth surgeon.

The fact that this romcom is also great to enjoy is mainly due to the screenplay. ‘Valentine’s Day’ is an example of artisanal writing. The stories flow smoothly into each other, the humor is usually for a laugh and the characters are developed enough to move. In addition, ‘Valentine’s Day’ avoids the beaten path once in a while, yielding a few surprising twists. The fact that not all lines and characters are fully developed is inherent in the form. It is not important that we get to know all facets of the characters, but that of love.

The casting department also deserves praise. A cast full of sounding names is one thing, making sure the actors really fit their character is another story. The makers have largely succeeded in this too. From Anne Hathaway as the cute and mischievous Liz and Eric Dane as the troubled sports veteran Sean, to Emma Roberts as a post-adolescent who has to find a place in her busy schedule for her defloration. Because that too must happen.

Cast, screenplay and cheerful tone make ‘Valentine’s Day’ a romantic film that you can spend two pleasant hours with. With beautiful people, nice jokes and a long-awaited first kiss that is a bit disappointing. And with less imposed sentiment than you might expect. These qualities will undoubtedly give ‘Valentine’s Day’ a permanent place in the broadcast schedule of February 14. Rightly so.