THE day of love is the focus of Pretty Woman director Garry Marshall s latest film, which boasts an all-star cast including Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Anne Hathaway, Kathy Bates, Jamie Foxx and Jessica Alba. VALENTINE S DAY (12A) follows the intertwi

THE day of love is the focus of Pretty Woman director Garry Marshall's latest film, which boasts an all-star cast including Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Anne Hathaway, Kathy Bates, Jamie Foxx and Jessica Alba.

VALENTINE'S DAY (12A) follows the intertwining storylines of a group of Los Angelinos as they navigate their way through a day of romantic highs and lows.

"Some people think Valentine's Day is the best thing and others try to block it out," explains the veteran director. "It means different things to different people. It's a hard holiday to define because love is so hard to define and that's why it makes for a good story."

The film follows a variety of relationships, from first dates to long term commitments, from young crushes to old flames.

It is as expected - sugar-coated, light hearted fun. There are some laugh out loud moments although in some parts you'll be groaning at the cheesy one-liners.

Kutcher is brilliantly cast as the hopeless romantic florist who lives for Valentine's Day and Anne Hathaway is hilarious as the seemingly squeaky-clean career girl who works for an adult chat hotline on the side.

Country singer Taylor Swift also does well in her big screen debut as a ditzy high school student and sings on the film's soundtrack.

The film also has a serious side, reflecting on the consequences of an extra-marital affair, the dilemma of telling a friend their partner is already married, and coming out of the closet.

There's something for everyone - young, old, singletons and couples - although I'm not sure if it would be most men's first choice at the cinema.

Bradley Cooper, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Garner, Jessica Biel, Hector Elizondo and Shirley MacLaine also star.

- ANNA NALBORCZYK