There will be twinkling eyes and thumping hearts for viewers of “Valentine’s Day” not only because it tackles the beauty and madness of love, but because it has a star-studded ensemble a la “Love Actually” and “He’s Just Not That Into You.”

For "Valentine's Day," director Gary Marshall reunites with his “Runaway Bride” and “Pretty Woman” Julia Roberts, as well as Anne Hathaway and Hector Elizondo (from “Princess Diaries”).

As if that star power ain't enough, the cast is also a list of Hollywood who’s who, including Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Jessica Biel, Taylor Lautner, “Grey’s Anatomy” hotties Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane, to name a few.

Almost everyone makes a big deal of “Valentine’s Day”: from proposing to their love, sending anonymous cards, flowers and life-size teddy bears; to organizing an “I Hate Valentine’s Day” party with similarly crushed hearts.

Love stories that will make one go “awwww”---young and old love, “connecting” with strangers, best friends in love… they’re all here.

While the film has an undeniable stellar appeal and diverse story arcs, the urban tales all happen in one day that they seem like jammed cars on a busy street in L.A!

The problem with intertwined story lines is the danger of underdeveloped tales and insufficiently motivated characters. It’s difficult to empathize, or at least sympathize with the characters because their motivations are not established with enough depth. Each of the stories can actually be made into a full-length film. But as for “V-Day,” they seemed like a collection of movie snippets.

Another casualty of the limiting storyline was the merit of the film’s cast members as actors. Julia Roberts, Queen Latifah, Shirley MacLaine, Kathy Bates and Jamie Foxx have all obviously done better in their other movies.

Taylor Swift, who makes her film debut, has strong screen presence and copious energy that should be controlled and directed well for her future performances to work. Her chemistry with her “Twilight” wolf ex-boyfriend is likewise strong, albeit a bit too “cute.”

The film is not without profound lessons, though. As the ten entangled stories eventually reach their happy endings, both the characters and viewers reach the conclusion that love is not about the butterflies in the stomach or the magic of making love for the first time; more importantly, it is about acceptance, forgiveness, understanding, and taking chances.

Sparks fly here and there, but “Valentine’s Day” falls short of creating memorable fireworks. Still, rom-com fans will enjoy the film, as well the hopeless romantics who wish to experience, albeit vicariously, the glory of love.

Warner Brothers Pictures’ “Valentine’s Day” opened on Philippine cinemas February 12.