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As hopelessly contrived and predictable as "P.S. I Love You" is, it's still a charming, touching romantic comedy. The most surprising thing about it is Hilary Swank, whose resume of serious films has made a humorous role seem an unlikely choice. She makes full use of her softer, sillier side, playing a character that's loveable and irritating at the same time. I say this in spite of the fact that serious undertones run through the film, as they always do in romantic comedies; after losing her husband to cancer, Swank's character spends the rest of the film trying to find herself (for lack of a non-clichéd term). The twist is that her husband is posthumously guiding her with a series of handwritten letters, all of which were so strategically located that only a well-executed plan could see it through. A sweet but nonetheless baffling idea: How could a terminally ill man carry off something this elaborate in such a short period of time? Never mind--I was still moved by the light-hearted sentimentality of the story, so I have to give credit where credit is due. The film opens in wintertime New York City with Holly Kennedy (Swank) storming home, absolutely furious. Right behind her is her Irish husband, Jerry (Gerard Butler), who knows he's said something to offend Holly but doesn't know what. It isn't until they enter their apartment that they really let loose: Holly is offended because Jerry commented on her waiting to have children. Now back in their apartment, everything he says gets misconstrued in some way, and a full-blown fight ensues. It isn't long before they make up, however, and by the time they do, Jerry promises his wife that he isn't going anywhere, despite their financial troubles, despite their current job situations. After nine years, he still loves her. He'll always love her, no matter what. Naturally, the very next scene takes place at his memorial service. The audience is thankfully spared the unnecessary melodrama of his failing health and eventual death; no such scenes are included in this film. The filmmakers wisely chose to focus on what happens afterwards with Holly, who--as you might have guessed--is so grief-stricken that she shuts herself off and lets herself go. It isn't until her thirtieth birthday that things begin to change; as her worried family and friends sit by her side, a birthday cake is delivered with a mini cassette recorder taped to the inside of the box. Holly presses the Play button and hears Jerry's voice explaining that he wrote her a series of letters as he was dying. Holly will receive them all over a period of time, and each one will instruct her to do something bold and adventurous. Basically, his words will push her into living her life without focusing so much on his death.Read full review
This is a nice Sunday afternoon, no thinking required DVD. It is not a movie that hangs you on the edge of your seat, it's not a DVD that is life changing in any way. Your husband/boyfriend may not like it. It's definitely a chick flick, but I enjoyed it for what it is very much. There was humor, sadness, lots of situations that were very human. I found it to be exactly what I had hoped...entertaining. I bought a copy because I probably will watch it again when I need a fun, no frills, no stress, enjoyable DVD to watch. *Some men may like it just fine, by the way. Most won't, I figure. But, my husband will watch "chick flicks" with me and while he hasn't seen this one, I feel that he would find it a perfect specimen of a feel good, "there's always someone else out there for you" kind of movie. Just sit back, expect to laugh, to be entertained and don't look at it from a critic's point of view and you won't be disappointed.Read full review
I thought this movie was just average to Good-it was entertaining with some cute & funny parts. Gerry was really funny in some scenes as was Lisa Kudrow. The scenery & photography in Ireland was very Artistic & absolutely Beautiful. I believe Gerry Butler fans will be disappointed as he was in the movie briefly at the very beginning then talked to Hilary Swank off & on the rest of the movie aside from a few brief scenes afterwards, that was about it for Gerry. The Irish man who was a friend of Gerry's, singing in the Irish Pub was a Dream!! Who was he??? Hilary is an Excellent actress, the movie was a Hilary movie, personally it was hard to get used to her trying to be femine- watching her in the tomboy roles she has played so well in the past. I didn't feel any emotional love chemistry between Gerry & Hilary or Hilary & her girlfriends or Hilary & her mother, which made the whole Love storyline much less believeable. Initially I was really looking forward to seeing this movie too.Read full review
I had purchsed PS I Love You because it sounded like a good movie to see with a special someone. I hated parts because if one had watched Hope Floats, one would have "certain expectations" at the end. The Director decided to use that expectation against the viewers. After the "surprise" is revealed, looking back, it appeared obvious. Because the guy's performance was bordering on offensive, and it was like he did not care enough to put enough effort in the relationship to score. Also, I hated the parts where the widow is struggling to carry the "urn" in the door, and using the prop in bizarre ways/situations. I loved the views, and many of the scenes. The end result on my special someone is that she kept falling asleep. I recommend a couple of expresso's before watching it. PS* I am sorry I had not simply rented it. PPS I like the gay scenes for the inclusion. However, I have no idea why some of them were even included. There are not enough bars in New York (especially Irish bars. Even Irish gay bars owned by people with names like Michael FitzPatrick's and Patrick FitzMichael's.) * BTW Who, besides me, knows what PS (or PPS) even stands for?Read full review
This 2007 romantic comedy is pleasing in a lot of ways. Hillary Swank as Holly Reilly Kennedy is the main star and shows her comedic side, and we are shocked by its beginning. In the first 10 minutes we watch the married couple--Holly and Gerry (Jerald Butler)--have a knock down-drag out argument with a finale of make-up sex. And then in Minute Eleven, we are attending the funeral of Gerry. He died of a brain tumor. But having so much time to think about his life, Gerry surprises Holly after the funeral with a number of letters delivered by friends, relatives, and strangers on a timely basis that will help her move on. The rehabilitation of Holly is the focus of this movie. But there are lots of other players that entertain us throughout. Friends Denise (Lisa Kudrow) and Sharon (Gina Gershon) entertain us thoroughly--Denise especially in her antics of trying to find a single man, not gay, and who has a job. Potential mates for Holly are also entertaining. Harry Connick, Jr. plays the awkward boyfriend Daniel who has been jilted in the past and is bewitched by Holly but afraid to love again. Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays William, a lookalike, soundalike Irishman to deceased husband Gerry. Kathy Bates has an important role as her estranged mother--Patricia Reilly, who provides some sanity but no tenderness until the end. This movie reaffirms life and leaves you with a good feeling. And for a movie buff like me, I especially enjoyed the Bette Davis movie clips from Jezebel, Dangerous, and Now Voyager, which finally provides the click for Holly to find a new career. The references to Miss Havisham from Great Expectations by Dickens are also very funny. You will learn the story of Holly and Gerry through flashbacks--how they met, how they courted, and how they lived as a married couple before he died. And you will be treated to lavish scenery of Ireland. This movie is one to cherish and to change your mindset if you are depressed. It teaches you to live life to the fullest every day and to not dwell on your problems.Read full review
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