Valentine, released on Feb. 2, 2001, isn’t high art, and it certainly doesn’t pretend to be. What it is is a gloriously cheesy, undeniably fun slasher flick that perfectly encapsulates the early 2000s horror craze. As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to revisit this guilty pleasure and appreciate its over-the-top kills, surprisingly solid cast, and delightfully campy tone.
The plot is classic slasher fare: a group of friends are stalked and murdered one by one by a mysterious killer with a Valentine’s Day theme. While the story is predictable, the film leans into its clichés with gusto, delivering exactly what you expect (and maybe even a little more) from a turn-of-the-millennium horror movie.
What elevates Valentine above some of its contemporaries is its surprisingly strong cast. Denise Richards, Katherine Heigl, Marley Shelton, Jessica Capshaw, and Daniel Cosgrove all deliver solid performances, even when the material gets a bit silly. David Boreanaz adds a touch of brooding charm as the mysterious Adam. The ensemble cast has great chemistry, making their characters’ fates all the more impactful (and sometimes hilariously over-the-top).
The kills, while not groundbreaking, are creative and often quite gruesome. The film doesn’t shy away from the blood and gore, but it also doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s a playful tone to the violence that keeps it from becoming truly disturbing. The killer’s mask, a cherub-like figure, is both creepy and oddly comical.
Valentine (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Valentine
Valentine grossed $10.02 million on its opening weekend, finishing in second place behind The Wedding Planner ($10.6 million) starring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey.
The film would gross $36.7 million in its worldwide theatrical release.
Kevin Thomas, in his Los Angeles Times review, said the film was a “smart, stylish horror picture that offers a fresh twist on the ever-reliable revenge theme and affords a raft of talented young actors solid roles that show them to advantage”
Legacy
Valentine isn’t going to win any awards for its originality or depth. But if you’re looking for a fun, nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s horror scene, then this movie is definitely worth a watch. It’s a perfect example of the “so bad it’s good” genre, a film that knows exactly what it is and embraces its silliness with open arms. So, grab some snacks, gather your friends, and prepare for a bloody good time. Just don’t expect any profound insights into the human condition.
