Funnier Than You Might Expect

By:  Ross Brennan

Columnist

            Garry Marshall, the man who brought you Pretty Woman and who I guarantee you would recognize even if you cannot picture him right off the bat, now brings you Valentine’s Day.  Marshall’s latest take on the RomCom is a funny piece that tells the romantic stories of numerous of people and couples, all of which are nicely intertwined.  Think Crash, but with a much lighter subject matter.

            There really is not a main character in the film, despite the previews that make it appear as if Julia Roberts is the focal point.  Thus, I will try to give you a quick rundown of what is going on and what to expect.  Ashton Kutcher is in love with Jessica Alba.  Jennifer Garner is best friends with Kutcher, but is in love with the very married McDreamy, who plays a doctor (what a stretch).  McSteamy, who plays a pro football player whose story is not-so-loosely based on Brett Favre, is in love with a mystery guest, as are Julia Roberts and Bradley Cooper.  Jamie Foxx and Jessica Biel both hate Valentine’s Day, respectively.  Topher Grace is in love with Anne Hathaway.  Taylor Swift is in love with Taylor Lautner.  Hector Elizondo, another face you would recognize even though you do not know the name, is in love with Shirley MacLaine.  George Lopez is in love with his wife, although we do not get to know her.  And Queen Latifah and Kathy Bates are sprinkled in, but without objects of desire.

            If that was hard to follow, I apologize.  It was the best I could do.  While Valentine’s Day has some sappy moments that are cliché-ridden, there are some genuinely funny parts.  A particularly funny scene involves two high-schoolers who are planning to make this Valentine’s Day extremely special.  As expected, a parent comes home.  Obviously predictable, but still a fresh take on a funny scene.  Jamie Foxx has some good scenes, and Topher Grace shines as a native Hoosier who is now a L.A. transplant.  Viewer beware, there are some jokes that involve Indiana as a punch line.

            Overall I would recommend Valentine’s Day.  For the gentlemen out there, if you have the will power to walk past Edge of Darkness and actually have a seat in the Valentine’s Day theater, you will discover a few jokes you appreciate.  For the ladies, I do not have to tell you that the movie is geared towards your tastes.  Enjoy the 125 minutes of romance, and take it for what it is worth.

Ross is a 2L and can be reached at Ross.Brennan@valpo.edu.

NEWS FLASH:  1L, Adam Claudy is taking over as our Forum movie reviewer next month!!!