Review of Valentine

Introduction

The "teen horror" genre is ever popular with filmgoers, with the two "I Know What You Did Last Summer" films and the "Scream" trilogy very successful, sparking a mini-revival of similar movies in the last few years.

"Valentine" is yet another example of the genre, this time featuring a schoolboy taunted at a Valentine`s dance, resulting in an incident that leaves him mentally scarred. Years later he returns to get his revenge.

Video

The video is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and is of a high standard throughout, with a crisp image, which is free from dirt and film grain.

Visually, the film is alike so many other "teen horror" movies of recent years, the film features a deranged madman stalking a group of people (in this case five attractive girls) to avenge their behaviour towards him years ago. As usual, this includes a variety of killings, some of which quite novel (I`ll not go into the methods to avoid spoiling the movie for anyone who hasn`t seen it) - but essentially comes down to the usual killer who walks everywhere but always catches the terrified fleeing victim!

There are one or two moments in the movie that will have you muttering "ouch" under your breath, but although some of the killings are quite brutal, the detail is always hidden and you aren`t shown the graphic detail - hence the 15 certificate.

Audio

The soundtrack comes in Dolby Digital 5.1 and is pretty good, with the score, sound effects and obligatory high-pitched strings when the killer is about to attack all well presented. The rear channels are used when necessary, with little or no sound emanating from them at other times.

Sound effects are well positioned, with things falling over behind you, and various noises from all directions, all of which adds to the tension during the killings.

The dialogue is clear and understandable throughout the movie.

Features

The extras for "Valentine" include a director`s commentary track, interviews, a brief behind-the-scenes featurette (of the extended trailer/interview variety), a music video and the trailer.

The disc is packaged in the usual Warner snapper case.

Conclusion

"Valentine" is a reasonably enjoyable throwaway teen horror movie that doesn`t offer much new to the genre. Despite an appealing cast, the movie is let down by borrowing too much from other movies - most key scenes and deaths in the film have been seen elsewhere - be it in "Scream", "Carrie", "Art of War" etc.

The cast is good, although at times Denise Richards is little more than window dressing, with a couple of scenes seemingly designed solely to show off her curves. It`s actually the other stars that offer more appealing performances. As usual, there are some plot twists to keep you guessing, and although the story is highly unlikely with a number of plot holes, the script isn`t too bad and there are a few laughs along the way.

The video and sound are both good, and there are reasonable extras, but at the end of the day this doesn`t stand out from the crowd and is one to be rented out rather than bought.