It’s the month of love, which means flowers, chocolates and teddy bears. One of the more cynical rumours is that Valentine’s Day was merely started to push the sale of these products; but the more romantic at heart enjoy its origin story – of the saint who healed his jailer’s daughter – far more.
Whatever you believe about the day of love, we just think it’s a good excuse to snuggle on the couch with your loved one, a gigantic bowl of popcorn and a great movie. But what if you’re alone this year, or are one of those haters of Valentine’s Day? Well, the good news is, M-Net Movies is giving you the chance to decide how to celebrate.
We’ve highlighted two movies on M-Net Movies Romance channel 107 this Valentine’s Day (14 February, for those of you who forgot). The first one is a good old-fashioned rom-com ready to make you laugh, cry, sob and sigh; the second is its opposite in every way.
Which one will you be watching?
Valentine’s Day (20:00)
The all-star ensemble might make you lose track of the story as you play spot-the-celebrity. Kathy Bates, Bradley Cooper, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Shirley MacLaine and Julia Roberts are just some of the big names you’ll find in this romance that follows the intertwined lives and loves of its characters. Directed by rom-com extraordinaire Garry Marshall, its his first movie with his pretty leading lady, Julia Roberts, since they reunited for Runaway Bride in 1999. He’s also got quite a thing for movies about special occasions, having directed New Year’s Eve and the upcoming Mother’s Day.
Gone Girl (23:50)
David Fincher, on the other hand, is about as likely to make a rom-com as Marshall is to make a hair-raising thriller. Adapted from Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, it’s an eerie indictment of marriage. From the dark themes to the intensely perfect performances from Rosamund Pike, Ben Affleck and Neil Patrick Harris, it’s not a movie you’ll soon forget.
