I Hate Valentine's Day (2009)

"From the team that brought you 'My big fat Greek wedding' and starring many of the people who brought you 'My big fat Greek wedding' this is a film that's trying to be the next 'My big fat Greek wedding'".And it fails miserably in doing so, mainly in part because it's not half as funny, clever or enjoyable as it thinks it is.The cast work hard, and it's always lovely to see Zoe Kazan, even in a small role, but they can't hide the fact that this film isn't that great at all.It's quite simply an attempt to cash in on what worked before, to try to make lightning strike twice, and it doesn't.

Okay, I truly enjoy a good chick flick, but the whole story was based around Nia's Character.... So why is the film named " I hate Valentine's Day?" If anything SHE LOVED Valentine's Day and all holidays. Don't get me wrong, they named the movie after his "experience" but nothing else in the story line even brought us back to Valentine's Day.That being said, it was a cute, decent movie. All her smiling freaked me out a bit, but I kept on watching the movie.And was the "keep your legs closed" advice only for the first date?You won't be disappointed, your husband will, so watch it by yourself or a group of friends....

In comparison to some of the romantic classics in recent years (eg. Titanic, Love Actually), this movie is a big disappointment. The script itself is quite predictable. A romantic guy falls in love with a 'new age' type of girl who doesn't do long term relationship, who after a brief dating periods falls in love with the guy. Things don't workout during the middle part of the movie but at the end everything works out for good. The casting is pretty bad as well. Judah Friedlander (30 Rock) and Rachel Dratch (SNL) seem to be completely out of their depth as they both fail to adjust from comedian roles to 'drama' supporting roles. Nia Vardalos over-acting is also a downside of the movie.Overall I think this is one of those cheesy mid-week movie if you decide to stay at home with your partner. On the plus side for guys, 98 minutes is not that long...

Genevieve (Nia Vardalos, who wrote, starred and directed this winner) owns a flower shop. When Valentine's Day rolls around, she is on a natural "high", for her business does well and she loves to encourage romantic gestures. In truth, she is usually in a jolly mood and she cites her dating practices as the reason. Long ago, her father split from Gen's mother and, as a consequence, Genevieve never lets a relationship go beyond her standard of "five dates". She says this type of romance captures the essence of "exciting love" and never wilts into infidelity, bickering and so on. Is she for real? Yes, until Greg (John Corbett),, the new owner of a nearby Tapas bar, enters her establishment. Its Valentine's Day and Genevieve encourages him to buy flowers for his lady, even suggesting he ask the super to let him into her apartment to place them at her bedside. Big mistake, as Greg catches his woman in bed with someone else. Hurt, he invites Genevieve and her co-workers to his big opening, where Greg asks Genevieve out on a date. Naturally, she clues him in on her rules and Greg agrees. But, since the dates, which include dinner at a "kamikaze karaoke place", go extremely well, will the rules apply? This film is a genuine joy for every romantic comedy fan. Its clever, funny, and romantic, and Vardalos gets most of the credit, as she wrote, starred and directed this treasure! Corbett is also a huge reason to see this one, as he is so handsome, funny, and touching. The supporting cast, which includes Rachel Dratch, is also very fine. With a sunny California setting, great costumes, and production values, it's hard to find anything to criticize. Therefore, if you adore romantic comedy, don't hesitate a minute. Get out of the house now and secure your copy of I Hate Valentine's Day. You'll love it!