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Watch this if you liked: "10 Things I Hate About You"

Amidst the arrival of romance related films for Valentine's Day, comes this one curiously titled as "I Hate Valentine's Day". The work of an angst ridden, love deprived individual you ask? Not quite.

"I Hate Valentine's Day" is written and directed by Nia Vardalos, who also wrote the sleeper rom-com hit "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". Nia also stars in this film and reunites with fellow actor John Corbett from the previous film. So given the success of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and the reunion of the same people involved, surely this will be one to look forward to as well? Not at all.

The plot of the film illustrates the tale of florist Genevieve Gernier (Nia Vardalos) who is a huge romantic, but dislikes relationships, thus constructing a failsafe plan to go out with a guy in no more than five dates. Using this philosophy, she practices as well as teaches others what she believes to be the way for true happiness. Then she meets Greg Gatlin (Corbett), a new guy who moves into her neighborhood, which tests her beliefs and philosophy.

Sounds like the basic structure of a rom-com flick, much like Will Smith's "Hitch" (2005), but just because it sounds similar doesn't mean IT IS similar. This film is neither romantic nor comedic. It is shallow, charmless, unimaginative, uninspiring, not breaking any new grounds, and there's nothing to digest. It should also be labeled as "creepy" because Genevieve is disturbingly happy all the time for the most part of the film. And the rest of the characters aren't that much more memorable either.

In a way the title achieved its objective, because this film will probably make more people hate Valentine's Day. Be reassured though as there are other more appropriate V-Day films for the occasion. But be warned! Watching this film will most likely kill the romance between you and your partner. On the other hand, a good film to use for breaking up.

Cinema Online, 03 February 2010