P.S. I Love You (DVD, 2008)

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.

Love the film - so funny, poignant and romantic with excellent performances from Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank. Supporting players Lisa Kudrow, Kathy Bates, Harry Connick, Jr and Jeffrey Dean Morgan were also very good. The scenery in the Ireland segmants was spectacular. I thoroughly enjoyed the film.
The DVD itself was sealed in the case and appeared new, although there were no inserts as with some films, which was disappointing. Also the disc itself had no label on it, but I was assured by the seller that it was genuine, factory merchandise and not a bootleg. It played fine.

The item arrived in perfect conditions and sealed. This movie is simply amazing. I love everything about it. The item includes 1 DVD with the movie and bonus features (additional scenes, a conversation with Cecelia Ahern, James blunt same mistake music video and The name of the game is snaps: learn how to play).

The story line is different for a love story. The telling is imaginative and fun. It has unexpected moments in the past and present and is full of surprises! The dialogue is unique and funny and the entire cast has a lot of fun with it.

Any movie with Gerard Butler, Hillary Swank, Kathy Bates, Harry Connick Jr, Lisa Kudrow and more says it all. This is a must see and Jeffrey Dean Morgan makes it a hit.

I like quirky and this is quirky. It is a chic flick for sure and I found it a bit odd to be laughing out loud at things that perhaps should have you weeping.

Critics were not so kind but I think it has an odd appeal.

Enjoyed the film so much, I'm buying it for Christmas for my adult children! For the most part, it shows what love, family, and friendship is all about. As we complain about how "hard" we have it today and what we don't have, "Gerry" focuses on what he does have. In the opening scene, he tells his wife, "Holly" that he is holding in his hands what he wants in life. And what he wants is her. It's mainly a "chick flick", but something couples could/should appreciate watching together, especially during the Christmas season. Could lead to productive discussions on what is really important in a relationship! Kathy Bates as Holly's mom pulled on my heartstrings in many ways. Don't want to give a good part away, but will say she acted as I wish many mother-in-laws could act. I've watched it almost every day for several days, seeing something new each time. As someone divorced, it made me look back on those relationships. Wish I could be like "Gerry" and have no regrets. Would highly recommend this for moms and daughters and females friends to get together, watch, and talk about. It's a great film.