Oops! Ashton Kutcher's character falls in love with the wrong girl in "Valentine's
Day."

Love is simply a four-letter word. It's so small, yet it demands a whole day of celebration. Even though Valentine's Day is not a national holiday, it draws national attention. It's a holiday that's meant to show how much you love someone, but has become a day driven by consumerism. Candy hearts, candles, flowers and chocolates sell out before they even hit the shelves in hopes of impressing that special someone.

Valentine's Day can be a costly venture, especially for college students who live off of pizza and ramen noodles. Despite the cost, every student knows what he or she'll be doing on the most romantic day of the year.

Everyone enjoys being spoiled and told how loved they are. Folks in relationships share the same general ideas about this holiday with those who are single. USC sophomore Jackie Haidar described Valentine's Day as a cute holiday. "It's an excuse to do something nice," she said.

Valentine's Day is cute to some, but sometimes it's regarded as a holiday made up by the greeting card companies to make money. Despite this, junior Nick Maurillo said, "I don't really think it's a dumb, made-up holiday. I'm sure there's some reasoning for it."

The origin of Valentine's Day dates back between 400 and 500 A.D. The holiday began as a day honoring a Christian martyr named Valentine. This day traditionally celebrates love and affection between intimate companions. "I like the idea that there is a day dedicated to someone you've cherished. There shouldn't have to be a day designated, but I like it," said senior Helen Galloway.

Despite the concentration on couples in love, single students are finding ways to enjoy this day as much as their friends who are in relationships. "I am going ice skating and to see a movie with my sorority sisters," said sophomore Skye Jones.

Men have also found a way to spend this day and do something worthwhile. "This year for Valentine's day, I am going to sit down with a six pack of Heineken and watch the NBA all star game," said Robert Dehuff.

Single women and men will be keeping themselves busy either with friends, sports, movies or food. And although Valentine's Day comes once a year, single students find ways to cope. "Last year I spent Valentine's Day with five buddies at the Spearmint Rhino, a classy gentleman's club downtown," said sophomore Michael Callahan.

Even though single students are surviving the holiday, the pressure to have someone special during this time hasn't stopped since they graduated from high school. The stress that comes with finding someone to spend the day with is an annual headache. The only thing that changes as the years fly by is the amount of money spent on the holiday.

In elementary school it was simple; Valentines would be attached to candy and put in a box or cubby for friends and crushes. With age, the Valentines became more personalized and cost a little bit more. By college, being in a relationship on Valentine's Day requires the purchase of cards, flowers, romantic dinners and other presents.

With all this hype, it's only right that the film "Valentine's Day" released just two days prior to Feb. 14 this year. "Valentine's Day" has a love story for every type of person. There are numerous stories, ranging from puppy love to marriage, to follow throughout the film.

"Valentine's Day" centers on a flower shop in Los Angeles. Since flowers have become a symbol of this holiday, it seems fit that it connects all the stories together through deliveries or orders.

Each story is unique and interesting in its own way. Ashton Kutcher's character shows that men can be hopeless romantics who fall hard for the wrong girl. His relationship with Jessica Alba, his girlfriend, and Jennifer Garner, his best friend, show a dynamic of misplaced love that is common in society.

The use of Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner show the high school level of love and the differences between high school and college romance. Their romance consists of compliments and walking on egg shells so one doesn't upset the other.

There is a shift in age with Shirley MacLaine and Hector Elizondo who show that love can stand the test of time despite secrets and hidden pasts. In comparison, their grandson, who is in elementary school, shows the age-old story of a young boy who falls in love with his teacher. His journey to get her flowers helps relate the power that love has on even the youngest individuals.

Jessica Biel plays devils advocate by throwing an "I hate Valentine's Day" party for singles who are without love. Ironically, they have a great time, and she meets someone during her boycott of the holiday.

The rest of the star-studded cast portrays love in all shapes and forms. With all of these stories, there is one for everyone to relate to: a mother trying to come home from war to see her love, a gay man who discovers himself, a couple about to graduate from high school, a couple with two children, and a married man who cannot remain faithful.

This film is about love and the hype that comes with the Valentine's Day holiday. It reveals the common misconceptions of love and celebrates romance. It may be regarded as a "chick flick" or a "date movie" but men will have a laugh and singles will either leave believing in love or being okay with their current situation.

Valentine's Day can be celebrated in many ways but the film "Valentine's Day" is a good option to show that special someone that you care. It is also a great way to spend the day with a group of single friends. During this day of romance, look around and spend it with someone special. After all, love makes the world go round.