Some say that celebrating the day of love has become a bit too commercial. After New Year's, aisles of decorations, party decor, and themed gifts fill the stores. Seemingly, the heart of Valentine's Day has become about gifts and gadgets, sales and bottom lines, a day built for jewelers and card companies.
Redefining a Valentine's Day Celebration
What girl doesn't like to be wined and dined, given sparkly trinkets of love, and get special attention from her loved one? However, not everyone has found that "special someone" with which to share Valentine's Day. So, why should those without significant others miss out on the beautiful day of red, pink, and white hearts? After all, love is for everyone.
Break the mold of what Valentine's Day has often meant and focus on celebrating the many descriptions of love: whether that is the love that binds friendship, romantic love or a simple love of life. Regardless of whether you are spending the day with a significant other, a group of friends or alone, choose to add a movie to your celebration.
A Valentine's Evening at the Theater
Valentine's Day usually conjures visions of red-wrapped presents and couples sharing a romantic dinner. If a night out on the town enjoying dinner and movie is an appealing idea, there are two movies premiering over the Valentine's weekend that promise to deliver a good time:
The Vow (2012) – Paige, (Rachel McAdams) suffers from amnesia after a car accident, leaving her husband, Leo (Channing Tatum) to win back her heart.
This Means War (2012) - Two top CIA spies (Chris Pine and Tom Hardy) compete to win the affections of a beautiful woman (Reese Witherspoon).
Break the Mold and have a Date Night at Home
Renting a movie doesn't have to be a lackluster affair - anyone could really make a great night of it. Why not pick up a pizza or grab some popcorn, crack open some beverages, turn out all the lights and light some candles (red might add some thoughts of the day) and pop in a movie? With a little imagination, the sky is the limit. If you'd like to forgo the sappy romantic movies, here are some fun alternatives:
Valentine's Day (2010) – Set in Los Angeles, Valentine's Day tells the stories of the pressures and expectations that Valentine's Day has on its characters. With stars such as Jennifer Garner, Patrick Dempsey, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner, and Taylor Swift (just to name a few) it is a romantic movie couples just should not miss.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) – The story's protagonist, Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) must battle and defeat his love interest's (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) seven evil exes in order to win her heart.
50/50 (2011) - Inspired by a true story, this comedy surrounds 27-year-old Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he struggles to beat his newly diagnosed cancer. Through his struggle, Adam learns about love through his friendship with Kyle (Seth Rogan) and falls for his therapist, Katherine (Anna Kendrick).
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011) – Cal Weaver (Steve Carell), a middle-aged man rediscovers love after his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore) husband's life changes dramatically when his wife asks him for a divorce. He seeks to rediscover his manhood with the help of a new-found friend Jacob (Ryan Gosling), learning to pick up girls at bars.
Sappy, but Timeless, Movie Options
You've Got Mail (1998) – Two rival bookstore owners, Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) and Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan), find love over the internet.
Serendipity (1998) – Against the odds of time, Jonathan Trager (John Cusack) and Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale) and reunite after fated one-night meeting. Convinced they are meant for each other, Jonathan and Sara parted, leaving their romance in the hands of destiny.
The Notebook (2004) – Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) falls in love with a rich girl, Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams). Allie's parents, unhappy by Noah's poor family, send Allie away. When Allie returns, she must choose between her fiancé and Noah.
Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998) – Writer Susannah Grant and Director Andy Tennant create a stunning Cinderella story, starring Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Houston, and Dougray Scott.
Many romantic tales have graced the big screen, too many to list here. Use Valentine's Day as a reason to get back in touch with a romantic movie for your Valentine's Day celebration.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Sonya Dunham - Sonya studied English Literature and Writing at Park University and is currently working on a novel.
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