P.S. I Love You Reviews

• A Nice Little Surprise Film

  
  By A328S9RN3U5M68 on 2008-05-11
  Marketing P.S. I LOVE YOU was a hit/miss situation. The general trailer and the billboards seem to set the audience up for a sappy tearjerker. But happily what happens in this film is not the expected 'widowed person communicating with the dead love out of failure to get on with life' tale, but instead a look into the importance of friendship, family, and adjusting to the incomparable loss. Credit the original novel by Cecelia Ahern as adapted for the screen by Steven Rogers writer/director Richard LaGravenese for making what so easily have been a sappy, maudlin, whining tale into a touching one of human emotions with a sense of reality mixed with a mildly implausible situation, and a series of character studies that emphasize the importance of support in the time of grief.
  
  Holly (Hilary Swank) and Gerry (Gerard Butler) Kennedy are a married couple with goals and frustrations and a huge dollop of passionate love, surrounded by friends and family. The tragedy happens just as the movie starts: Gerry has died of a brain tumor leaving the copeless Holly alone with her memories and self-inflicted regrets. But Gerry, knowing he was a terminal patient, devised his own plan to help Holly through that first year of grief: he left letters in various forms and places, advising Holly how to learn about his family and how to get on with life. Holly's mother (Kathy Bates) owns a bar and has supported her little family since Holly's father deserted his family years ago. In the bar is another injured soul named Daniel (Harry Connick Jr.) who fancies Holly but realizes she is far from ready to think about dating. Holly's friends Denise (Lisa Kudrow) and Sharon (Gina Gershon) accompany Holly to Gerry's pre-planned trip to his home in Ireland to meet the in-laws Holly never knew. While in Ireland Holly reminisces on the magic of first meeting Gerry, meets Gerry's parents as well as Gerry's best friend William (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and through it all manages to appreciate the gift of PS I Love You letters and reminders Gerry has left for her. And she ultimately finds closure to her loss.
  
  The cast is strong and makes these at times strained characters into lovable people: Hilary Swank has made a successful entrance into the feminine lead role and is balanced to perfection by Butler, Morgan, Connick, Bates, Kudrow and Gershon. They make the implausible plausible and deliver a love story that goes beyond the level of superficial to join the ranks of warm and tender memorable slices of life. It is surprisingly good! Grady Harp, May 08
  
  

• PS I will always love you

  
  By A3AVJCB1ZD6ZY5 on 2008-01-05
  The story begins with a fight. Holly (Swank) is running up a seemingly endless flight of stairs with Gerry (Butler) in hot pursuit. He's apologizing, but like a typical male, he's really not quite sure what he did wrong--he just wants to make up and not sleep in the bathtub.
  
  Nine years' marriage and they don't have a lot to show--no kids, no careers, and only a five flight walkup. But, it's obvious that Holly and Gerry love each other very much.
  
  The next scene is Gerry's wake. It's a bittersweet affair--and I confess to laughing when I heard the ironic "Fairytale of New York" (Gerry's favorite song) played and sung to by his priest.
  
  A few weeks' later, the letters begin. While the film only shows Gerry's life and Holly's impressions of his 'ghost', we realize he'd understood his cancer would take him and planned to help Holly get through it past the grave. His letters encourage her to get out, sing Karaoke, even go to Ireland. Those missives literally help her find her dreams and go on with her life.
  
  "PS I love you" is what I expected--and more. The cast, scenery, and especially the music all fit well together to elicit tears--and yes, occasional laughter.
  
  Gerard Butler is fabulous as always. He's one of the best new actors around and I hope to see him for many years to come. I didn't expect that he could sing--and he does an excellent job on "Galway Girls."
  
  In my opinion, Hillary Swank is the best part of the film. She's not your typical Hollywood ingenue. She's sometimes awkward, she doesn't always look perfect, and yet her ability to convey emotions from the highs to the lows very impressive. When she comes home from the funeral alone, picks up her cell phone and just keeps calling her home phone to hear Gerry's voice over and over on the answering machine literally brought me to tears.
  
  Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the big teddy bear Billy Gallagher was also great. You've seen him before if you watched "Grey's Anatomy" playing Denny Duquette. I'm very glad to see him getting silver screen roles. If you like him, look for him in 2008 in "The Accidental Husband."
  
  Only one warning--take some tissues with you. This film will make you cry--and occasionally laugh so hard you'll have tears in your eyes, too.
  
  

• She Gets Letters, She Gets Letters

  
  By A18G7GG53G2X8A on 2007-12-25
  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.
  
  The rest of the film is all about Holly fulfilling her husband's last requests, from singing in a karaoke bar to meeting his parents back in his native Ireland (where--you guessed it--another letter waits). Her friends and family offer as much support as they can, all while engaged in their own minor subplots. Her best friend, Denise (Lisa Kudrow), is desperate to find Mr. Right, so desperate that she openly asks potential dates about their relationship status, their financial status, and their sexual orientation. Holly's mother, Patricia (Kathy Bates), loves her daughter but has trouble accepting Jerry's postmortem plan. She was never fully accepting of him to begin with; he and Holly married at young ages, meaning that a lot could have gone wrong. And Patricia definitely understands the pain of losing a husband (albeit under much different circumstances).
  
  The most interesting side character is Daniel (Harry Connick, Jr.), who works for Holly's mother at a local bar. He claims to have a syndrome: his social filter is defective, meaning he'll say anything to anyone at anytime. He openly tells Holly that she's hot, that she's a terrible singer, and that he's getting sick of hearing about Jerry all the time. Part of the truth is obvious--he has feelings for Holly. The rest of the truth is not so clear-cut--he, too, has been deeply wounded by a past relationship. From this alone, the two are emotional matches. That doesn't necessarily mean that they would work as a couple, especially with the inclusion of William (Jeffery Dean Morgan), the man Holly meets on her trip to Ireland. So the question is raised: Will Holly and Daniel find romance in the midst of tragedy? Will Holly allow herself to love again, or even to let her life go in a new direction?
  
  As fresh and exciting as I'm making this sound, the reality is that "P.S. I Love You" is a fairly routine story of love, loss, and emotional rebirth. That doesn't make it a bad movie by any means; in all honesty, I found it quite satisfying. Most of this has to do with Hilary Swank, who impressed me with her ability to transcend the heavy-handed, solemn movie roles she's known for. But the rest of the cast does a decent job, as well, doing justice to a well-established cinematic formula. I also appreciated the letter-writing plot point, simply because it was cleverly (if strangely) executed. Some may feel that Jerry's letter writing is a method of control, but do you honestly think that a romantic comedy would go that far? It's not control so much as it's a way to nudge Holly in the right direction--I believe that, were it not for his letters, she would mourn the rest of her life. And is it any coincidence that he ends every letter with the film's title?
  
  

• A nice romantic film

  
  By A2F7CCPK4QL359 on 2008-08-18
  PS I Love You is a bitersweet love story. It is one of those films which you watch with a tear in your eyes and a wisp of a smile on your face.
  
  Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank0 has lost her husband (300's Gerald Butler). As she is in mourning over his loss, she recieves letters from her dead husband. From these letters, she starts to break out of her shell of widowhood.
  
  With the help of her Girlfriends (Gina Gersion and Lisa Kudrow) and her mom (Kathy Bates), Holly starts to live again.
  
  It is one of those nice romantic film to share with those you love. It is a throwback to the older 1950's type films where words and images are more important than car chases and curse words.
  
  The Cast blends together so well you could believe this story is true. Swank's Holly is so on the money, you feel her pain and joy
  
  This is not just another chick flix, it is a well done romantic comedy. It will tug on your heart strings..if it does, check with your doctor to make sure you have a working heart.
  
  I only wish there was a director or actor commentary, which there isnt. I would have enjoyed hearing someone insights on how they made this film..but it is not needed with a film this good
  
  Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD
  
  
  

• Read the book instead

  
  By ANOBZWKE25SBY on 2008-01-02
  Holly and Gerry Kennedy (Hillary Swank and Gerard Butler) have been married nearly a decade and when he is suddenly torn from her, she gets a gift from beyond - monthly letters penned by Gerry to help her get through her first year without him. They urge her on to do stuff she normally wouldn't do - like attempt karaoke again after a disastrous past try; go on a trip with the girls; and he even encourages her to not close herself off, but to open herself up to the possiblility of falling in love again.
  
  Lacking a simple thing as chemistry between the two lead characters (or the potential new love interests for that matter), the movie version of "PS I Love You" falls flat and never really takes off. From the first ten minutes - one of their many arguments designed to show what a "real" couple they are - to the cheesy flashbacks to highlight their initial meeting. It just made me wonder how the heck they got together. And Swank's attempts at displaying her grief in a prolonged arc just didn't work - it was too contrived and unbelievable. She was channeling Diane Keaton in her annoyingly infamous crying scene in "Something's Gotta Give." I could not be more disappointed in the movie. I was expecting a romantic comedy-drama in the vein of "Ghost," but instead it was just a mediocre story. The only time I shed a tear was when she kept calling his phone just to hear his voice - it seemed really natural, unlike the majority of her performance. Other stand outs were Kathy Bates as her mother and Lisa Kudrow providing comic relief. James Marsden (Spike from "Buffy") as Gerry's best friend is completely unrecognizable in a very understated performance.
  
  Side note - did anyone else wonder why in the heck she packed up all his clothes and mailed them to Ireland? That must have cost a fortune.
  
  
  
• great idea, bad execution
  By A319Y83RT0MRVR on 2007-12-19
  Unfortunately, this movie was poorly cast. The storyline is there, the idea is exciting and genuinely romantic. The cast, principals in particular is really off. there is no chemistry between Gerrard Butler and Hilary Swank. It comes down to Hilary Swank's inability to be a romantic leading lady. It's hard to imagine her romantically with anyone and Gerard Butler doesn't come through for both of them. Harry Connick Jr., who used to be a gorgeous crooner, from Hope Floats to a reoccurring role on Will and Grace has now turned into an overweight guy who is getting second-hand roles. Gina Gershon, who is usually great in each of her performances, is plagued by bad face impressions. James Marsters is extremely underused. Lisa Kudrow, the comedic light of the film, shows promise but could be a lot funnier and is generally a lot funnier in all her other roles. The only interaction that makes sense is that between Kathy Bates' character and Hilary Swank's. Their mother-daughter relationship is shaky but gets the much-needed boost at the end. The admirable features of the movie are all due to what must be genuinely good source material, i.e. the novel it is based on. The idea that the heroine isn't dependant on the guy for her salvation, but, in fact, looses herself in him is gutsy. The fact that her involvement with the love of her life stunts her ability to find herself and that it's his death that releases her is so fascinating to see on the screen and so real, that's it's scary. I only wished they would focus more on this and develop it. If they had only embraced it! Still, as far as romantic comedies go, it's refreshing to see that every once in a while there comes a movie that doesn't end with a happily ever union.
  
  
  
• Previews were misleading---
  By A2UMOEBAND6BS5 on 2007-12-31
  So here is the thing. I don't watch many regular television programs so
  have never seen some of the supporting cast and their trademark 'acts.'
  I have never read the novel, P.S, I Love You. Or any other Ahern
  writings. Never have seen any of the actors except Hilary Swank, Gerard
  Butler and Kathy Bates. I don't know anything about walk-up apartments
  in New York. (Seemed to bug some people.) I'm not an 'expert' on Irish
  accents.
  
  I caught the film for the second time 12/30 at the 10:35 a.m. showing;
  there was an amazing crowd for a Sunday morning. The projection was
  perfect. No microphones (complaints on some boards) on view. The sound
  was great. That end song over the credits is a winner! And I loved it
  more that I did the first time on the opening Friday morn, the 21st.
  
  Holly is a real person, imperfect and annoying at times. Hilary Swank
  is perfect. Those who want a 'babyface" child/woman to play Holly are
  not living in the real world. There are more look-a-likes for Hilary
  than the usual cookie-cutter cute young things Hollywood usually casts.
  And Hilary has the chops to make us understand this childish woman and
  how she starts the healing and growing up, with her Gerry's memory to
  help.
  
  I loved Lisa Kudrows questions to potentials. Very funny. I loved
  Holly's quirky sister and thought she brought energy and sunshine to
  her scenes. The boat scene is cliché' but funny all the same.
  
  I still say the ballpark scene was not needed. They could have cut it
  and the expense, and had the reading of the letter as voice-over.
  Daniel and Holly 'were over' in the restaurant, and the audience knows
  it. Daniel is an interesting "other man" and a new type. More
  interesting than usual. But did anyone really think they would end up
  together? Not me.
  
  Bates is always good, but I just don't see that her part is 'wonderful'
  as others keep saying. It's a part Bates can do in her sleep. The
  Mother had never reconciled to the marriage and seemed waspish. Holly
  had to overlook her disapproval while trying to find her way with her
  husband.
  
  I wonder how many scenes with James Marstars and Gina Gershon were left
  on the cutting room floor. They were hardly in the film.
  
  And Jeffrey Dean Morgan, although good looking in a grinny-goofy way,
  hardly has any lines to say. And they are one-note. So not a great
  impression.
  
  The cinematography is gorgeous, from the streets of New York to the
  Irish countryside.
  
  Our audience today clapped when the 'Mustang Sally" scene started. More
  energy and excitement there than in all the rest of the film. Gerry
  Butler is Mr. Wonderful. Singing, flirting, great body language, and a
  delicious deep kiss, at last. *sigh* I've upgraded my rating to a 9
  from a 7.
  
  Postcript: I didn't read this book and I have promised myself that I
  will never buy a book thinking I will see it on film. Never happens. I
  have promised myself I will not see every preview and teaser of a film
  before I go to the theater.
  
  The previews of PSILY were clips chopped up from 5 to 10 seconds and
  did not show what the scenes they were from were about. I went thinking
  I was seeing quite a different film, just from all the clips we were
  able to see online and on TV. My first viewing was clouded by that
  fact. I did not see what the preview seemed to say I should be seeing.
  
  From now on I will go in like I did for "Phantom Of The Opera" -
  knowing nothing, never having seen a preview. But I knew I loved the
  music.
  
  Or last years "The Departed." I had never even heard of it and went
  because I wanted to see the "300" preview on a big screen. But I loved
  it.
  
  This has taught me a lesson. I've seen one preview of "Nims Island" -
  the next Butler film, out in April, and love what I see. Don't want to
  read the book. I'll not be watching or reading about the film. Don't
  want any more information than I have right now. That way, it is just
  me and what's on the screen - and that's what it's all about. One
  person in the dark, reacting to what the director, crew and actors have
  made for them. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. :) Jane
  
  
• Holiday Confection Falls Flat
  By A3EE0H0NWQ9QVL on 2007-12-26
  There's nothing like a good confection to go along with the holidays. And there's nothing more that I'd like to do than enjoy a film like `P.S. I Love You'. The previews show everything inviting: A widow woman on the mend, a mystery with chain letters sent posthumously, the comic return of Lisa Kudrow, a heart-warming story about learning to live and love again after a loved one's death. There's even a performance by Kathy Bates.
  
  The movie starts with a likable premise: Gerry (Gerard Butler), a fun-loving pub singer and Irish immigrant dies of brain cancer and leaves his wife, Holly (Hillary Swank) to grieve immobile in her Brooklyn apartment. Sounds good so far. I came into the story thinking I might get the female flick (or male sensitive movie) version of `The Ultimate Gift'. There were some problems with that movie, but the aspect of mystery with a heart is a real draw.
  
  Holly mourns for weeks, letting her apartment go. Her mother (Bates) and her best friend (Kudrow) try to snap her out of it. On her thirtieth birthday, balloons and a cake are delivered, complete with a tape recorder with Gerry's voice intact, telling her she's to follow the instructions from a series of letters meant to ease her grieving and move on in life.
  
  At Irish Teddy's Bar where he used to sing, bartender, Daniel (Harry Connick, Jr.) is the kind of jerk women love to hate, but tries to make a move while Holly's on the mend. She goes out on the town and takes a trip to Ireland and connects with Gerry's family, but the film mostly falters. The trouble is time is needed for these wounds, and the movie almost makes the four seasons of her grieving in real time.
  
  Unfortunately the movie didn't live up to the previews. Here's why: If the film were nearly as well edited as the trailor, it would flown better. There's one speed they know best and that's slow. Sometimes it's essential; at others it's deadly. The material is drawn out; it's spotty for mirth and warmth. There's a joke here, a letdown there. The movie lingers over every development. The flashbacks don't help the film much, either. The delivery mainly feels forced.
  
  Swank gives a heartfelt performance that clearly identifies our sympathies for her plight, and Bates is as believable as ever as the hard-boiled mother, who underneath her exterior shines a true and loving heart. Lisa Kudrow still has a likable return, even if the movie's timing gives her short shrift. In comparison to his role in 'Bug,' Harry Connick, Jr. shows a real acting range. Similarly, Gerard Butler shows his repertoire from feisty sword and sandal king in '300' to a likable character, worthy of grieving about.
  
  Despite good performances and a good premise, 'P.S. I Love You' fails to connect with the audience. Unlike movies such as 'The Notebook,' and `Ghost' it fails to deliver the emotional depth one would expect from the subject matter with a script and direction that need to be lively at the times the characters and audience need it most.
  
  
• A cute idea in need of severe editing"-P.S. I need to move along!"
  By A3RWR50VUII07D on 2007-12-28
  Oh well,I am not here to be popular.I am here to be honest,and if ever a film could have used a colon cleanser to get it moving,it would be "P.S. I Love You"!
  
  I usually love films like this.I had seen the trailer enough times, and especially liking Gerard Butler (The Phantom of the Opera (Two-Disc Special Edition) and 300 (Widescreen Edition)) I was primed for an entertaining and heart touching film.Well,it did not work for me,not because of the story itself or the acting,but Good God this film needed some editing!!!!!!!!!! This film moved like my Grandmother used to say,like "Molasses creeping up hill on a cold January day!" For all of it's good intentions "P.S. I Love You" just droned like a wheezing bagpipe! Sorry folks!
  
  
• Strange twists of fate
  By A37PV5GMP2ILJC on 2008-07-07
  
  "I hope
  life treats you kind
  And I hope
  you have all you've dreamed of
  And I wish you joy
  and happiness
  But above all this
  I wish you love
  
  And I...
  Will always love you"
  
  (Whitney Houston)
  
  
  Gerry (Gerard Butler) and Holly (Hilary Swank) are married, without children, and are very much in love. Swept off her feet at a tender age by the handsome Irishman, Holly isn't exactly sure what she wants from life, and this leads to petty squabbles and extremely hot making up afterwards.
  
  Before they really get started, the Fates snip Gerry's thread, and Holly is left with a snazzy urn and an empty apartment, which she proceeds to fill with her blue funk.
  
  Her thirtieth birthday brings a big surprise, as it seems that for once, Gerry has made a plan. Gerry's gift goes on giving, and gradually Holly comes to terms with her life, while we, the audience, get to look on with unbridled glee.
  
  Butler is as easy on the eyes as always, and Swank pulls off a difficult role with apparent ease. Lisa Kudrow is a perfect friend, and Kathy Bates proves unsinkable. Other good performances are logged by Gina Gershon and Harry Connick Jnr.
  
  
  Short Attention Span Summary (SASS):
  
  
  1. Sometimes even death can't end an undying love
  
  
  A chick flick, but an extremely watchable one, especially for fans of Gerard Butler.
  
  
  
  Amanda Richards, July 6, 2008
  
  
  
• A great love story
  By A3PCTD8QM1BIXI on 2008-01-01
  After forcing my girlfriend to sit through Walk Hard & Alien Vs. Preadtor 2 I was dragged to see P.S. I Love You and I have to say that I was pleasntly surpised. Unless she's playing a man Hilary Swank in my opinion always plays Hilary Swank in every from The Core to Freedom Writers. Mrs/ Swanks gave one of her better performances as Holly and earned a new respect from me. The chemistry between Swank and Butler is charming and heartbreaking when their love is lost. The emotions are geunine and the tears are earned and not forced unlike some romantic films. I want go into anymore deatil about the filn as the trailers pretty much give away the plot, but if your romantic at heart then this is a film you'll enjoy.
  
  
• Overlong, Episodic Look at the Grieving Process Spotlighting an Uncharacteristically Miscast Swank
  By A13E0ARAXI6KJW on 2008-01-23
  Grief can be a painfully long process, but does that mean a movie needs to capture that experience in real time? Actually a year elapses in this marathon 126-minute film, but director Richard LaGravenese's episodic treatment is so sluggish that the end didn't come soon enough for me. This is the first of several problems with this 2007 romantic dramedy co-written by LaGravenese and Steven Rogers and actually not the biggest. That dubious distinction belongs to star Hilary Swank as Holly Kennedy, a high-strung Manhattan real estate agent closing in on thirty and married nearly a decade to Gerry, a hunky, free-wheeling Irish musician. Physically angular with a performance pitched between severely pinched and gawkily awkward, Swank lacks the innate malleability to carry off the role. It's the type that Meg Ryan or Sandra Bullock can do in their sleep, but obviously the torch has to be passed. Despite moments of genuine likeability and vulnerability, Swank lets it drop.
  
  The movie opens with a lengthy and extremely contrived marital squabble between Holly and Gerry and then wastes no time in flashing forward months later to Gerry's wake at the Irish bar that Holly's mother runs. Throughout the rest of the movie, Holly grieves by having frequent flashbacks to the happier days with Gerry, that is, when she is not fantasizing about Gerry still being alive. The plot turns on the conceit that he wrote a series of letters before his death that he intends to be delivered to Holly at key moments during her first year without him, and Holly's responses to the letters make up what constitutes the impetus of the storyline. There are some poorly developed turns, but there are some good moments primarily courtesy of an unusually stellar supporting cast starting with Kathy Bates as Holly's straight-shooting mother whose own husband left her in a less tragic manner; Gina Gershon as Sharon, one of Holly's best friends; and Lisa Kudrow as her other friend, the more hedonistic Denise. In fact, Kudrow's crack comedy timing is such a contrast to Swank's tentative, redundant manner that it upsets the balance of the film.
  
  The men fare somewhat better. A genuinely charismatic actor, Gerard Butler plays Gerry with such unfettered joy that it really is a wonder why he is attracted to Holly in the first place. Their "cute" first encounter on an isolated Irish road is painful to watch not because of Gerry's impending doom but because Swank overdoes her impersonation of a naïve college student. As potential paramour Billy, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, an American actor who actually does a better Irish accent than Butler (a Scotsman) lends the necessary smoldering presence, but he is painted too ideally to be that compelling. Harry Connick, Jr., on the other hand, plays a genuinely idiosyncratic suitor, Daniel, a somewhat off-kilter bartender who may have Asperger's Syndrome. It's an oddly discomforting ploy, but at least it's different, and Connick shows he still has a good comedy sense. Rural Ireland certainly looks idyllic thanks to Terry Stacey's cinematography, although I have to say the musical soundtrack comes across as too predictably coy to help complement scenes. I recommend skipping this one for more worthwhile treatments on grieving like Anthony Minghella's Truly Madly Deeply or even Jerry Zucker's Ghost.
  
  
• Two hours of self-pity
  By A19OQ7LWE2YJL3 on 2008-05-28
  I love Swank & Butler, & Bates.
  The movie begins (uncomfortably) with a very contrived fight scene that doesn't work and isn't staged well. Butler, while beautiful, only seems at home in the scene in Ireland. All the other flashbacks never work quite right. Bates is good as the Mom, but all through the movie I felt I was missing something.
  The friends setup doesn't work - there's no chemistry between Kudrow, Gershon & Swank. It always seems awkward. Also awkward was the one-night stand Swank has with Billy Gallagher. That just did not seem in keeping with her personality throughout the movie. How odd.
  The kareoke scenes were TORTURE.
  Literally two-hours of self-pity for a young woman who's lost her husband. Connick Jr.'s Daniel wasn't silly or unlikable enough so you end ticked off because you're led to believe they'll be together.
  Not much about this movie was likable. The actor who played Billy Gallagher was very good and him telling Holly stories about Jerry was endearing. That's about the best thing I can say. And the Irish scenery was gorgeous. I can't recommend this movie.
  
  
• A gem of a movie
  By A2WDSCVH4BXYQZ on 2008-01-13
  I had actually been dragging my feet because the movie itself was not an exact copy of the book which was wonderful. However, that said, did it matter???? No, to me, in the end, not one bit. I laughed, sighed and cried throughout the entire movie. It blew me away. I cannot wait to own this gem. there was only one man in our theater. The rest were Gerry Butler fans (yes, I can spot them a mile away) and teenage girls, who did their own share of crying and hugging after the movie. This movie hits home on many different levels. It is not just about the death of a beloved spouse, it is about the uncertainty of life and how to go on living when things do not go as you planned, how to forgive yourself if you didn't get around to doing certain things (having children). It shows us that though marriage never goes as you planned it (or fantasized it would), that it is your life and you are in the middle of it. It's about loving yourself and your spouse during those not so perfect times. In the end, the most important thing is how to find yourself and keep the faith after the worst possible thing has happened. Love, anger, fear, loss, and abandoment- it is all there.
  
  Everyone was great. Gerry brought so much energy and soul to his role! He is so damn handsome and sexy!! Oh, and to hear him sing again was an extra added bonus! Hilary was terrific and very believable- she did great playing against type. I really wasn't sure before the movie if I would warm to Harry Connick's character, but his off-beat Daniel was very likable and cute. Jeffrey Dean Morgan was great, too. His roles is small but important. He was very charming and has a very cute arse!!!!
  
  I cannot say anything negative. I loved this movie and can't wait to see it again!!
  
  wendy k
  
  
  
• Bring tissues :-(
  By A24ZFFRQ4MG3XL on 2008-05-11
  This is a fantastic movie. I laughed and cried in it as it's like an emotional rollercoaster. I thought Hilary Swank did an excellent job here and played the role of Holly, whose husband Gerry is dying of a brain tumor. While still alive, he writes Holly letters and she receives them after his death and signs off each time with PS. I Love You. With every new letter, there is a new adventure.
  There is a terrific cast here (Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon Kathy Bates and Harry Connick Jr), that make the movie fun and enjoyable. I didn't know if I was going to like it or not, but have found myself watching it over and over about 4 or 5 times already since buying this on DVD. It's a nice chick flick/feel good/romantic comedy/drama and a new favourite. I really love this and think that practically anyone can watch this and come away from it having loved it too.
  
  
• Where I have seen this all before?
  By A25QJBK33C4O0R on 2008-05-12
  Answer: Ghost. (Well, that's one answer, there are others too, like the film Reign Over Me, with Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle doing a male perspective of similar themes.)
  
  P.S. I love you is a film about grief. Grieving over the loss of a loved one, in this case Hilary Swank plays Holly who we'll see remembering her husband Gerry who has passed away from a brain tumor. Gerry apparently had time to make plans before his death and those plans revolve around leaving behind letters to Holly providing her instructions on things she must do as she moves on from her loss.
  
  The film opens with a brief glimpse into Holly and Gerry's happy life, though at that point we're watching a lover's quarrel over discussion of their future together. The little glimpse gives us a bit of insight into the fact that Gerry never seemed to have a plan while Holly was trying to be incredibly organized and work towards goals she had laid out for herself and them as a couple. Seeing that initial glimpse of their relationship and that status makes Gerry's letters and the planning he has done all the more poignant.
  
  The movie flows fairly quickly over it's just over 2 hour running time and actually does a pretty good job of not dwelling on sadness. Yes we know that Holly is unhappy about her loss, and yes she has issues adjusting to being alone and without the love of her life, but there isn't the depression and sadness that would drag a viewer down and leave you feeling like you just wanted the movie to end.
  
  Along the way Holly gets instructions to journey to Ireland. We find out there, as if we didn't know from Gerry's accent in the scenes where he appears, that the couple had met in Ireland back when Holly was a student touring the world a bit as she was trying to determine what she wanted to be in life. Apparently they fell in love at first sight, and were destined to be together always, or at least until death parted them.
  
  Kathy Bates turns in a decent performance as Holly's mother, and other cast members perform well as Holly's sisters and friends. The story is good, not great, but good, and the original writing shines through fairly well. Adapted from a novel and somewhat Americanized (set in New York, rather than in Ireland), we do benefit from several beautiful scenes of the Irish countryside.
  
  Some sexual dialogue and sparing use of language that would cause the film to earn a more adult rating, but no nudity, and little objectionable content for those concerned about such things.
  
  Worth a rental at least. Some may love the film and feel compelled to buy their own copy. If you go with a disc-based copy, take a few minutes to check out the extras including a few deleted/extended scenes. Unfortunately the deleted scenes are without introduction so viewers are left wondering where exactly they fit in the sequence of the film, but most are fairly obvious. An introduction for each would have been nice, and one scene in particular (at the travel agency) really should have been included in some way. Perhaps running next to the credits. Most of the rest (outside of a reunion scene with Gina Gershon's character) are not really noticable, though that scene (with Gershon's character) probably should have made the final cut.
  
  
• A charming date movie
  By AMLA0B6EHD4OS on 2007-12-21
  "PS I Love You" is a delightful film about a young widow and how her husband, knowing he was dying, left her a legacy of letters designed to encourage her into living again after his death. Hilary Swank delivers a high-energy performance opposite the always sexy Gerard Butler. Lisa Kudrow is a hoot as Hilary's friend. Gina Gershon, James Marsters (Spike from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame), Harry Connick, Jr., and Kathy Bates round out the cast. The locations are rich and beautiful! Even the apartment where Hilary lives and the pub her mother owns are almost characters, themselves. This film made me laugh - the priest singing at the Irish wake was particularly amusing. It made me cry - too many times to name. It made me laugh while I was crying. It is a lovely movie filled with lots of surprises!
  
  
• "P.S. I LOVE YOU" MOVIE REVIEW BY MICHAEL ELLIANO
  By A1FGOU69XQIU9V on 2008-05-08
  THIS REVIEW IS FOR MEN ONLY. WOMEN LOVE THIS STUFF AND YOU SHOULD BE READY TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS. IF YOU WATCH AFTER THIS REVIEW YOU ARE A
  WIMP!!!!!!!
  
  DRAMATIC CHICK FLICK IS THE CATEGORY THIS GOES UNDER. HILLARY SWANK IS OUTSTANDING AND CARRIES THIS FILM EVERY INCH OF THE WAY. BUT THIS IS NOT THE DATE MOVIE A MAN WOULD EVER WATCH. THERE ARE MAJOR HOLES IN THE STORY AND THE FOLLOWING RUIN IT....
  
  ONE: WHEN SHE "BEDS" HER DEAD HUSBAND'S BEST FRIEND. FOR ONE NO WAY. IF A MAN NEVER INTRODUCES YOU TO HIS BEST FRIEND, THEN HE IS NOT HIS BEST FRIEND. NO PICTURES ETC....NOT REALISTIC. EVEN IF HE WAS HIS BEST FRIEND AND DIDN'T INTRODUCE EVER, THERE'S A REASON.
  
  TWO: CONNICK IS A NICE GUY BUT THIS MOVIE MAKES HIM LOOK LIKE A WOMAN'S GAY BEST FRIEND. TOO BAD.
  
  THREE: IN VERY LITTLE TIME SHE BECOMES A TOP SHOE DESIGNER. NOT LIKELY, ALTHOUGH SHE DOES HAVE A GAY BEST FRIEND NOW.
  
  FOUR: KILL THE MAIN CHARACTER IN THE FIRST TEN MINUTES. WORKED IN THE MOVIE BUT NOT REALLY GREAT FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES.
  
  FIVE: STRANDED ON A LAKE AND RESCUED BY THE BEST FRIEND WHO SO HAPPENS TO WORK THERE TOO. YEAH RIGHT.
  
  SORRY, BUT THIS MOVIE IS FULL OF HOLES AND WOMEN WILL LOVE IT. LET THEM WATCH IT ALONE AND GO OUT AND FIND A GOOD "MAN" MOVIE. SOMETHING WITH JESSICA ALBA IN IT ALSO WORKS.
  
  
• Romantic, depressing and disappointing
  By A3LH77PBDFEO3F on 2008-05-20
  My Irish wife was in the mood for a romance, and thought we would enjoy this film, but she fell asleep about half way through.
  
  I managed to watch it all but came away more sad than warmed, as it is a movie more about resolution and loss than about love. The message in the film is a common one, that you should let those you love in on your secret every day, not expect that they know it.
  
  But that's just me.
  
  Now my wife watched all the way through yesterday with our youngest daughter, and she really liked it after all. But she is a big believer in not getting over your true love (me too, but that's not the way I saw this turn). My bigger problem was the conclusion of the film where it reminded me of when my wife's Ford Expedition was stolen, she wanted another Ford Expedition. After you watch the film you may see what I mean... I felt like the inferred afterward in the story was kind of twisted along the same line.
  
  But again, that's just me.
  
  
  
  
• A Wonderful Movie!!
  By A2Q85J7AKRTBPH on 2008-01-11
  This is a wonderful movie -- very entertaining!! I took all my daughters to see it and we all just loved it! We laughed and then we cried, and then we laughed some more. I would highly recommend this movie to any and all romantics!
  
  
• Better then the book
  By A1DQHS7MOVYYYA on 2008-01-13
  I found the book to be slow and depressing, and to me the movie was the complete opposite! Seeing the previews I was excited to see Gerard Butler and Jeffrey Dean Morgan and that alone almost sold me. But I thought maybe if they improved on it and made it more about...picking yourself back up then the book did that I would enjoy it more. I was right thankfully! I'll also say that I'm a big fan of movies like the notebook and a walk to remember, and this seemed to fall into the same caliber of movie for me.
  It really got you to understand the main characters' relationship and also kept the main elements of the book in my opinion. I usually don't really like Hilary Swank but she was charming and engaging(though, really shouldn't sing along with Judy Garland, that was painful). My only complaint was that I cried so much it gave me a headache, though, it would redeem itself by giving you a good laugh immediately following a really sad part. So I deducted just one star because by the end, I was mentally BEGGING them not to go thru another letter, I didn't think my poor tear ducts could handle it. I would also say, though I considered dragging my boyfriend(who apparently had no clue about the premise to begin with and would have been going in blindly!) it was much better to go with my best friend who had also read the book(though she said I cried too much). Its a chick flick in my opinion, though I have heard other guys didn't mind it. =) I would happily recommend it as a really fun movie that I absolutely loved. Bring lots of tissue!
  
  
• Grab a girlfriend and see this movie!
  By A1QGXISFN825D5 on 2008-01-23
  I will be the first person to admit that this movie is not for everyone. If your taste in movies runs toward "The Bourne Redundancy" or "No Country for Vile Men," this movie might not be for you. On the other hand, if you are a chick who loves her chick flicks, you'd be hard pressed to find a better one. Grab a friend, grab a hanky, and go see this movie!
  
  Hillary Swank does a fabulous job portraying the emotional rollercoaster that our heroine goes through. In fact, there is not a weak link in the bunch. Harry Connick, Jr., Kathy Bates, Gerard Butler, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lisa Kudrow--they are all at the top of their game and an absolute pleasure to watch.
  
  And one final plug for the soundtrack. It's full of wonderful and unexpected treasures that were unearthed specifically for this film. Stop by the record shop on the way home from the theater and pick one up. It makes a perfect movie souvenir!
  
  
• I definitely love PS I Love You
  By A3L1ILW9D6VX14 on 2008-02-19
  This movie is just about the best romantic comedy movie I have ever seen. I am a big fan of Gerard Butler and found his comic side both fun to watch and so endearing. I saw it twice when it came to the theatre and cannot wait to purchase the DVD.
  
  
• Thoroughly enjoyable and touching
  By A37KEPOOJ9E6VZ on 2008-03-29
  I saw this movie twice while playing at the theaters and could not wait to purchase it on DVD. My best friend and I laughed and cried and really loved Gerard Butler in this part as well of the rest of the great casts' and funny and touching performances. Another friend saw it too and told the story about overhearing a 20ish male sitting behind her complaining to his girlfriend before the movie started about it being a "chick flick" which my friend overheard and commented back "yeah I guess it probably is a chick flick" At the end of the movie though, the 20ish male leaned forward and said to my friend "That was a great chick flick."
  
  
• Attention men: Don't run away from this film
  By A1E7V4I5VM6QX0 on 2008-06-17
  My wife held a gun on me and forced me to watch this romantic comedy. I briefly debated to myself which would hurt more, the movie or the bullet. But within five minutes I was hooked.
  
  This is a beautiful film. It's touching and memorable. What's her name is great as the female lead and that Spartan King dude does a brilliant job of playing a dead guy. This movie has the power to remind men how nice it is to be in love with someone you actually like.
  
  Okay, a lot of guys will notice that this movie is missing the standard quota of murders, explosions, rapes and decapitations. But don't dismiss it fellas, there is still a fine story here.
  
  I highly recommend "PS, I love you." Men, pass on the blood, cars and guns for once and rent this film tonight to watch with your girlfriend or wife. The evening will go well, trust me.
  
  --Guy P. Harrison, author of 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God
  
  
• P.S. I love Gerard Butler!
  By A3APPKALUGB2GT on 2008-07-21
  Gerry and Holly married while they were young and free of worries. Years later they feel the pressure as the reality of marriage and all it entails kicks in. The scene starts off with Gerry (Gerard Butler) and Holly (Hillary Swank) emerging from the subway walking towards their home. The couple is arguing about their different views on life with emphasis on children, money and getting their dream home. The argument heats up to the point where Gerry storms out and quickly rushes back in and they fell in each other's arms and make wild, passionate love.
  
  The credit rolls in and the next scene is that of Gerry's wake. The viewers are told that he has died of brain tumour at the young age of 35. The next three weeks see a decline in Holly as we see her spiralling down, crying and watching black and white movies, suffering from hallucinations of her late husband. Then as she sings along to Judy Garland, her mother (Kathy Bates) and best friends (Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon) walk in reminding her that it was her 30th birthday. They open a cake from Gerry and Holly thinks it's a prank until they play the accompanying tape recorder where Gerry tells her of his plan for her, how he has written letters which will arrive on various occasions. Those letters become a source of strength for her as she follows his advice and finds herself doing things she would never have thought herself. While Gerry has planned for the letters to serve as a guide for Holly to figure out what she wants in life, they serve as a way for the viewers to find out more about the couple and their beginnings.
  
  The tasks include a trip to Ireland where we are treated to a spectacular view of the countryside and Ireland's splendor come to life. Here we see Holly meet another Irishman who turns out to be an old friend of Gerry's. We find out about her first meeting with Gerry and it is one of those moments that make a romantic movie truly heartmelting. Hillary Swank portrays the grieving and lost widow quite well and the supporting characters were good and added some much needed laughter. The highlight for me though was Gerard Butler who was just truly charming. I think I am now officially a drooling fan. That smile is enough to weaken any woman's knees and any woman would understand how Holly could have fallen in love with a perfect stranger. I thought he was great as King Leonidas in 300 (Full Screen Edition) yelling out "This is Sparta!" in his almost naked glory. But now he has been elevated to real sweetheart material after seeing him in this movie. And God I love a man who can sing.
  
  P.S. I LOVE YOU, while far from perfect, is more than your average run-of-the-mill romantic movie. While I find that the whole letters after death thing lacked plausibility (the cynical may even find it creepy), the idea is simply clever. It provided the sentimentalism that is certain to leave many readers teary and satisfied with the film.
  
  
• Wonderful Movie!
  By A38KQVAOD10NO2 on 2008-01-25
  Great movie. Wonderful story of not taking things for granted. We all die, but what is important is how we spent our time with those we love. It is also a story of how to carry on after a death. And of course it is also a great story about true love between a husband and wife.
  
  
  
  
• My New favorite Romantic Comedy
  By A28B2KGH7Y08GF on 2008-02-07
  After seeing "P.S. I Love You"...it is now my all time favorite romantic comedy. Probably replacing "Notting Hill". Any movie that makes me laugh and cry at the same time is a winner! The opening argument scene was so well written. It was very realistic(my husband and I have argued just like that)plus it introduced the characters history and chemistry etc. Very effective opening scene. I was not a Hillary Swank fan, but she won me over. Her performance is wonderful....I believed she was Holly and Gerard Butler WAS Gerry. Every role I see him in is spot on. I wonder when he will get the accolades he deserves. Everyone else in the cast was excellent. I will agree that some roles seemed to be cut down to almost nothing...James Marsten and the actress who played Hillary's sister, and Gina Gershon.
  
  This movie had some atypical twists and turns and I loved that. I also would enjoy seeing the movie a second time. Because some scenes were flashbacks or out of sequence, you could enjoy some scenes early in the movie now knowing what will be coming up in the future...if that makes sense. (An example: Holly must clean out her deceased husband's closet...pack up his clothes. She keeps his leather jacket though. Later in the movie you flashback years before to the scene where Gerry and Holly first meet and discover that Gerry gives her his leather jacket when she's cold. Seeing the movie a second time, I would look at the scene of Holly packing clothes and holding on to his leather jacket differently now knowing the history behind it.)
  
  If you want a romantic comedy formula movie, this isn't exactly it...this movie has layers and really makes you think while it entertains. I also did not think it dragged for even a moment.
  
  One extra recommendation...buy or rent "Dear Frankie" with Gerard Butler. Another movie that is a true work of art!
  
  
• Best Modern Love Story Out There!
  By A6D44T1UYQ0RW on 2008-03-27
  I saw this movie with a friend when it was out in the theater and - I kid you not - we spent the entire movie vacillating between sobbing and laughing, often both in the same scene. This is by far the best romance movie I've seen in recent memory, and one that touches a very tender place for those who are married or in a long-term relationship with someone they absolutely adore. I wanted to make my husband go in for a complete physical after I left the theater out of fear of losing HIM way too soon. And the man's healthy!
  
  Anyway, I give this movie two huge thumbs up. Gerard Butler is incredibly sexy, sweet and romantic in the movie, Hilary Swank is absolutely perfect in her portrayal of the young widow, and the supporting cast was nothing short of brilliant. This is definitely a must-see movie in my humble opinion.
  
  
• Don't Expect to finish watching
  By A1XYZWNPEFL5V9 on 2008-05-12
  This is a slow moving film. We started one night and tried to finish the next, but Amazon cut off the movie in mid-viewng blaming the "copyright holder", so we paid $3.99 to watch a $15 boring movie and we couldn't even see the ending.
  
  Advice: Don't use Amazon Unbox. 24 hours is harsh when it's as rigorously enforced as it is with eletronic delivery. We should have at least been permitted to finish watching a movie we were actively watchng when it was cut off.
  
  We weren't allowed to finish the movie and you won't either. It's $3.99 lost forever on a sucker deal. Be prepared to lose your investment.
  
  

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