The rom-com “Valentine’s Day”, from late director Garry Marshall, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week. It was the first in a trio of holiday-themed all-star films for Marshall, who followed-up with “New Year’s Eve” (2011) and “Mother’s Day” (2016).
Over the past decade, the many stars of “V-Day” have gone on to some big-time roles. Their best choices:
KATHY BATES – “Richard Jewell” (2019)?
I was pleasantly surprised to see her as a Golden Globe Best Supporting Actress nominee for the overlooked Clint Eastwood drama… and then I was even more surprised that she also got on the Oscar ballot (likely taking J-Lo’s spot). But Bates is fantastic as Jewell’s mom.
BRADLEY COOPER – “American Sniper” (2014)
It’s hard to pick just one great Cooper role, from his work in “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle” to “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “Joy” and “A Star Is Born”. But as Chris Kyle in “Sniper”, Cooper was simply a knockout.
JAMIE FOXX – “Just Mercy” (2019)?
After several comedies and animated films – as well as Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” (where he was underused, even though he was the main character), Foxx finally gave us fans the kind of performance we’ve been waiting for in “Just Mercy”. As Walter McMillan, an innocent man on Alabama’s Death Row, Foxx earned a SAG Best Supporting Actor nomination – and should’ve also been up for the Oscar.
JENNIFER GARNER – “Dallas Buyers Club” (2013)?
Garner has had a solid decade, with effective performances in “Miracles from Heaven” and “Love, Simon”. But I’m still puzzled as to why she got completely overlooked for her terrific work alongside Oscar winners Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto in “DBC”.
ANNE HATHAWAY – “The Intern” (2015)?
Hathaway took-on Catwoman in “The Dark Knight Rises” and won an Academy Award the same year for “Les Miserables”. But my favorite AH performance is still from Nancy Meyers’ 2015 comedy “The Intern” as Jules, a high-strung fashion website owner.
QUEEN LATIFAH – “Miracles from Heaven” (2016)
Joining Garner in the faith-based drama, Latifah perfectly played a key, supporting role.
SHIRLEY MACLAINE – “Bernie” (2012)?
Jack Black gives the showier, more impressive performance as the title character in Richard Linklater’s indie. But you have to give MacLaine credit for taking part in this one-of-a-kind motion picture.
JULIA ROBERTS – “Ben Is Back” (2018)?
My favorite Roberts film of the past 10 years is, without question, the family dramedy “Wonder”. It’s such a sweet, powerful movie. But Roberts is given more depth and range with the role of Holly Burns, a mom dealing with a drug-obsessed son, in the little-seen “Ben Is Back”.
TAYLOR SWIFT – “Miss Americana” (2020)?
In the new Netflix documentary from director Lana Wilson, the singing superstar was allowed to play… herself. She could BE herself – and say how she feels about just about everything. For Swifties and even casual fans, “Miss Americana” is as real as it gets – and that’s why it really works.