Iffy for 14+
Mushy ensemble romcom sticks to formula; some sexy stuff.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this ensemble romantic comedy from director Garry Marshall -- which stars everyone from Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, and Anne Hathaway to teen faves Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift -- features relationships in various stages, from sweet childhood crushes and hormone-driven teen matchups to confusing adult connections and mature, enduring love. Characters kiss, teens talk about having sex, unmarried couples are seen in bed together, and a man cheats on his wife. There’s a sense that you're incomplete without a partner, and that finding true love isn’t easy – and yet everything has a fairy-tale feel in the end. Expect some swearing (including "s--t") and a few raunchy conversations.
- Families can talk about what Valentine’s Day means, if anything. Is it really manufactured, and does it make people who aren’t with someone on that day feel bad? Can it be a chance to focus on a relationship for a day, or does it just breed consumerism?
- Does the film approach the topic of love any differently from other romantic comedies? Are all the pairings and their subsequent conclusions believable?
- How does the film portray dating and romance? Ask your teens if this is what they think adult relationships are really like.
The good stuff
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Messages: Though the film portrays many kinds of love, there's a particular emphasis on romantic love, and those who lack it seem bereft. One portrayal of mature love, though needing exploration, is surprisingly complex.
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Role models: There’s a liar in the mix, but for the most part, the characters here are decent people striving for love and connectedness.
What to watch for
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Violence: Not an issue
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Sex: Two teens discuss their plans to meet at lunch and have sex for the first time. The teenage boy is shown naked, with a guitar hiding his genitals. Couples kiss, sometimes in bed wearing little clothing; women’s legs peek out from beneath bedcovers. One character works as a phone-sex attendant, and viewers hear her raunchy conversations. A married man cheats on his wife, and his girlfriend has no clue that he’s "taken." A man is shown getting out of the shower and walking around in a towel.
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Language: A sprinkling of “bitch,” “ass,” “moron,” and “hell,” and the occasional “s--t.” Several uses of "God" as an exclamation.
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Consumerism: It’s hard not to notice that many characters are toting BlackBerrys. ESPN is name-dropped.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking by adult characters.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Cute flick by Ravzie
Why the terrible buzz? So it's not an Oscar contender, it's not supposed to be.
This is a cute, romantic romp. Sure, I could see some "plot twists" coming for miles, but so what? I didn't want to see ghosts, murders, car crashes or giant blue people. I went to a light, feel-good movie with an actual script & clever plot, amusing characters and dialog about human interaction. It delivered.
The movie gives you a look at the love stories of people of all ages from many directions. I liked seeing the numerous stories woven together, how everyone impacted on everyone else.
Some stories were more dominant, some barely existed. I wanted to see more of some stories than others, more of some actors than others. But it fits together nicely.
If you only like computer generated stuff blowing up, monsters flying thru the air & marauding knife wielders, you will find this movie boring. If you like to smile, giggle & be happy, give this movie a chance and make up your own mind.
4
Go see by maford
I went Tuesday night to a local movie premier of this film. This is a light-hearted, funny movie that makes you laugh. No deep thoughts here, but the characters keep you engaged. Even my guy, who is a die-hard action fan, laughed at the movie and liked it. A great Valentines Day date movie!
4
Five Word Review by relaag
Romantic Entertaining Delightful Outstanding Cast
1
Horribly over-rated by Lyns1285
Too many stars made this movie a bore. In their fight for screen time and an opportunity to shine in the few minutes each character was actually on the screen, all acting turned into over-acting. Every single romantic comedy cliche was explored in this movie without offering anything new or special into the mix. The characters were not believeable or enjoyable. The only character worth watching was Julia Roberts whose muted performance stood out above the over-the-top acting of her cast-mates. We walked out before the end of the movie, thankfully, or I would have been forced to watch even Julia Roberts role disolve into a romantic cliche.
Ssave your money and just go see Avatar again.
5
good by davidmartinojr
good movie - even for a guy....keeps you interested the whole time with all the differnt plot lines going on
4
Great storyline by power2pcmovie
The storyline has its twists and turns that will hold your attention. It has it's sad moments, but also its happy ones, a must see if your going on a date!
4
Valentine's Day opinion by mschez893
My husband and I saw this movie on Valentine's Day and thought it was really cute. It definitely lived up to our expectations. We expected a typical romantic comedy with a great cast and a happy ending. It was light and funny, as well as having some great touching moments. The cast was great! This is a great date movie, or a great girls night out movie.
3
Valentine's Day Movie Review by Asianfreak
42 out of 100 Some laughs but a total waste of a star-stunning all-star cast.
4
Valentine's Day by sturk100
saw it on v-day with my girl friend. i even liked it. touching story. recommend it for a date, or with a group of friends (just make sure there are girls included)! a lot of very famous actors. also, many surprises, which made the movie better in my opinion.
3
Great date movie by LILJALAPENO74
I happened to like this movie it wasn't over the top it was in my opinion good. Comedy and romance usually don't mesh well, but in this show there was a small amount of humor involved. I like how it captured Valentine's Day from both points of view instead of all mushy love scenes. I took my teenage daughter and her boyfriend to see this and I sat by myself. I felt a little akward seeing a romance alone so I would recommend going with a good friend or your other half. I left my other half at home with all of our boys because it isn't a flick that the boys would enjoy.