VALENTINE’S DATE: The “Un-Romantic Comedy” That Just Might Save Your Marriage
While every married couple works hard to make their relationship a successful one, not all of them do so on the first (or second, or third, or fourth, etc.) try. However, when a marriage collapses due to irreconcilable differences or the betrayal caused by extramarital affairs, the idea of rebuilding that once-joyous connection is practically unimaginable for those who see no choice but to go their separate ways.
Before those divorce papers are signed, though, what if someone gave you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse the chance to take one more shot at “making it work”? That second chance becomes an unexpected adventure for one frustrated set of marrieds in the new romantic comedy/action film Valentine’s Date, streaming on the free ad-supported service Tubi and co-starring Bryan Thompson and Kathy Thomas-Aldrich as a couple — Daryl and Lola, respectively — whose once-strong love for each other has now dissolved into an unending battle of wills.
When Daryl and Lola’s marriage counselor (Dr. Barrabi, played by Sherrie Prose) makes them choose between spending years of aggravating yet mandatory couples’ therapy and the opportunity to visit an intriguing experimental “couples’ retreat” offered by the persuasive Mr. SaveLove (Tom Chamberlain), the fractured pair decide to try their luck on the latter — only to crash-land into a world of danger where their own personal survival soon overshadows any concerns of saving their marriage. Despite the peril they face along the way, Daryl and Lola discover that this unusual “retreat” may turn out to be the best time they’ve ever spent together.
Basing Valentine’s Date on his own real life curiosity about the many interpersonal connections brought about by romance, and his memories of seeing how divorce permanently alters the lives of everyone affected by failed marriages, Thompson — who also wrote, produced and directed the film — feels that it will prompt couples who find their relationships “on the rocks” to take another look at their love lives — and themselves — by seeing how even the most challenging circumstances can sometimes lead to new beginnings for the most estranged of couples.
Chris Hadley: What inspired you to make this film?
Bryan Thompson (co-star, “Daryl”/writer/producer/director, Valentine’s Date): Generally, I am fascinated with human interactions…what brings people together and what keeps them together. I think people have a tendency to draw their proverbial “line in the sand” before they have exhausted all options for remaining together.
The reasons can range from pettiness, selfishness, or simply short-sighted vision. Granted, every couple is not meant to be together forever, but to me, one of the best ways to discover whether someone is right for you is to go through a tough experience with that person. That is the fundamental inspiration for the film.
CH: Discuss how you came up with the idea and characters for Valentine’s Date, and if those were based in any way on real life.
BT: Divorce has touched my family (and extended family) several times. When it does, you generally end up with a profoundly sad family member and lose a friend in their spouse. I think in a time where social media gives people continuous and immediate gratification, sometimes people forget the things that brought them together in the first place, such as common interests.
CH: Tell me more about the character you play, Daryl, and the overall impact that being in this film had on you.
BT: This character was fun to play because he is complicated. He is obnoxious, often hypocritical, and completely out of touch with his truest desires. In the course of the film, he must also face the uncomfortable possibility that he is a coward. Conveying these attributes without converting the character into a villain (is) a unique and enjoyable challenge.
CH: What was it like working on the film, especially given that a good part of it was filmed in the heat of the desert?
BT: (Working on Valentine’s Date was) challenging and rewarding. I’m a former soldier, so although operating in that desert heat was uncomfortable, it was a type of discomfort that I am accustomed to. My co-star Kathy Thomas-Aldrich, on the other hand, deserves a tremendous amount of credit for bringing those scenes (in particular) to life. She demonstrated a level of dedication and professionalism under harsh conditions that was truly spectacular.
CH: In addition to co-starring in Valentine’s Date, you also wrote, produced and directed the film. How did you manage to balance those production responsibilities while also appearing in front of the camera as part of the film’s cast?
BT: I had a lot of help. During the filming, I leaned heavily on directors of photography Christopher Jones and Robert Izquierdo for their creative input. My philosophy is that I’m smart enough to know I don’t know it all!
I believe that in a romantic comedy, the woman is the lead and the man is the supporting actor. So my priority was to make sure Kathy Thomas-Aldrich (“Lola”) was well-versed in her character’s feelings. Lola, as a character, is even more complicated than Daryl because she is very proud, intelligent, unapologetic, and witty. Leaning on the support of Robert and Christopher allowed me to effectively direct Kathy.
Another great advantage I had was a tremendously strong supporting cast. A lot of the positive feedback we have gotten has been about the performances of supporting cast members Jeff Ararat (“Miguel”), Tom Chamberlain (“Mr. SaveLove”), Sherrie Prose (“Dr. Barrabi”), Al Matamoros (“Machete”) and Diajesma Orozco (“Boss”). These standout performances brought the story to life in a way that (admittedly) I never even imagined. So, to sum it up…I leaned on the team and they created the dream.
CH: For those who’ve yet to watch Valentine’s Date, what other comedies — especially those that combine romance with action — would you compare it to?
BT: I would say it has elements inspired by Love Actually, Boomerang, Happy Gilmore, Murder Mystery and the television show Martin, yet it’s very different from all of those.
CH: At the same time, what do you feel sets Valentine’s Date apart from other comedy/romance/action movie hybrids?
BT: I call this film the “un-romantic comedy” because the basis of the film is a couple seeking divorce and being forced to work together to get it. I think that is very unique. The other unique aspect is the randomness of events, which keeps the audience guessing.
CH: As a filmmaker and actor, what are your hopes for Valentine’s Date’s success?
BT: In addition to commercial success, my hope is that the film will inspire people to question their own relationships. I want someone to say to me “that movie saved our marriage.” That would be the ultimate victory.
CH: What do you hope audiences get out of seeing Valentine’s Date?
BT: I hope the film highlights the importance of selecting your spouse carefully and then remembering to value the friendship that is the basis of every good marriage.
Watch Valentine’s Date free on Tubi:
