Take 9: Valentine's Day

I didn't want to do it.  And all the time you knew it.  

I just couldn't help my self.  It's the same way I feel about chocolate, unless it is Godiva.  Then I always want to do it.

As usual the newspaper gave this a less than stellar review.  Surprise?  Not Surprised.

Sometimes, I just want to be entertained.  I don't want to have to think too hard.  I don't want to have to feel like some major social commentary has just been presented.  I just want to enjoy a light-hearted story I know is most likely going to end well.  After all, this is a romantic comedy.  And this is Garry Marshall directing.

Given what I was looking for, I feel this movie didn't disappoint.  I sort of had a love/hate relationship with the parts of the movie that seemed predictable.  Yet, who knows?  I may have had a hate/hate relationship if those parts hadn't played out the way I thought.  I also loved that there were revelations I didn't expect, but were a nice surprise.  I'd say more, especially about Ashton Kutcher's story line, but just in case, I don't want to spoil anything.

Also, as I have mentioned in my blog, CaliforniVacation: SoCal Style, as your SoCal tour guide gal, and my sister gig as the L.A. Sightseeing Examiner for examiner.com, I enjoy seeing locations in a movie from SoCal where "I've been there...done that!"  I loved seeing the Venice canals.  Last time I was there the water was so low that there was no way someone would be able to kayak it, but with all the rain this year that may have changed.  I haven't been to the original Los Angeles Flower District yet.  Now I wish to go to there.  So, thanks for that, Mr. Marshall.

P.S.  I enjoyed Jennifer Gardner's character's explanation of the history of Valentine's Day.  Very imformative.  Thank you.

Movie 411:

Movie: Valentine's Day (2010)

Screenplay Writer:  Katherine Fugate

Director:  Garry Marshall

Film Editor:  Bruce Green

Plot:  Intertwining couples and singles in Los Angeles break-up and make-up based on the pressures and expectations of Valentine's Day.
Cast (top 3 listed from IMDB, click here to see more):  Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel

Take 8: I Love You, Man

Loved it!  Made me laugh.  Laugh out loud belly laughs. Then laugh some more. Need I say more?

Movie 411:

Movie: I Love You, Man

Screenplay Writer: John Hamburg, Larry Levin

Director: John Hamburg

Film Editor:  William Kerr, Editor

Additional Editing: Michael L. Sale, David Raymond III, Justin Bourret, Mitch Rosin, Gary Burritt,

Plot:  Friendless Peter Klaven goes on a series of man-dates to find a Best Man for his wedding. But when his insta-bond with his new B.F.F. puts a strain on his relationship with his fiancée, can the trio learn to live happily ever after?

Cast (top 3 listed from IMDB page, click here to see more):  Paul Rudd, Rashida Jones, Sarah Burns

FYI:  Below is a photo of one of many signs posted on Ocean Front Walk in Venice (where Sidney's character walks his dog named, Anwar Sadat).  I may only hope that by including the various scenes in the movie where Sidney's character does not bother to clean up after Anwar Sadat (if you know what I mean), it was their way of showing how respectful you are when you do clean up your pet's poo.

As I am also your CaliforniVacation: SoCal gal and L.A. Sightseeing Examiner for examiner.com, below is a photo of the eating establishment from the movie where Lou Ferrigno (aka the Hulk) puts Sidney Fife's character in a sleeper hold.  Deli-zia is located at 2 Rose Avenue in Venice, California.  You may also note from the photo that Venice has its own vampire community, which has a web presence.  Who'da thunk it?

Also, I don't have a good photo to include, but Paul and Sidney's man hug in front of the fountain...you may recreate this bromantic hug by visiting The Grove in L.A. where the fountain is located. 

I almost forgot to include this movie's trailer.  Here it is.