P.S. I don't quite love this film (P.S. I Love You (DVD))

Member Name: eatingpinkzebras

Product:	P.S. I Love You (DVD)
Date:	05/04/09 (167 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A poignant look at grief and getting over it

Disadvantages: Emotionally draining, Harry Connick Jr's character

I remember the first time I saw the trailer for this film in the cinema. I think it was the first time I had ever cried at a trailer! I decided it wasn't wise to watch it at the cinema when it was released in case I distracted everyone by sobbing loudly all the way through, so I waited to watch it on DVD, and have only just got round to seeing it. I was right, I did cry all the way through!

The plot involves a young woman, Holly (Hilary Swank), who is married to Gerry (Gerald Butler). Sadly Gerry passes away, and Holly is obviously devastated. However after a few weeks she begins to receive letters and gifts from Gerry, who had ordered them to be delivered at various times. The letters are intended to help her get over him and redevelop her life without him. The film follows Holly and her friends as Holly tries to obey the instructions in all of Gerry's letters, but where will they lead her?

First off I should probably say that this is a bit of a girly film and I can't picture too many men enjoying it. Sensitive and thoughtful men may appreciate it but in general those I've spoken to seem to think the whole thing is a bit soppy and/or morbid. Most of the girls I've spoken to love it though.

I thought the film was very good, though it was not what I was expecting it to be. I hoped there would be more moments of light and laughter and that it would be more uplifting, but the whole film is really very sad and filled with grief which is so painful and all consuming that it is overwhelming to watch. There are a few funny moments but they are few and far between. It is really an emotional film about the difficult journey through grief and not a romantic comedy as I have heard it described by others.

The acting is above average in the film. Swank is absorbing throughout the movie and kept my attention and sympathy apart from at one point where the character of Holly irritated me a little (the scene on the boat with her two friends, for those who've watched it). Butler is very good if a bit cheesy and annoying at times. Kathy Bates does well with the unlikeable character of Holly's mother and Lisa Kudrow, James Marsters and Gina Gershon are excellent as Holly's friends. Kudrow is particularly amusing and it was always enjoyable when she was on screen.

There are also two other male characters, one played by Harry Connick Jr and one by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. The former I found annoying and wanted to hit, which wasn't great. I think he was meant to come off more endearing but I thought his behaviour in parts was awful. Morgan's character was much more likeable though and he is always nice, and very cute, to watch.

I did like the film but some slightly dodgy casting or directing, plus the lack of lighter moments and the constant, draining, emotional pressure means that it only gets four stars from me.

Amazon.co.uk are currently selling the DVD for £4.98. It includes additional scenes, a James Blunt music video, a conversation with the original book's author Cecelia Ahern, and a video showing you how to play a weird game called 'Snaps' which is mentioned in the film. Not bad for under a fiver.

Summary: A film about the power of love, and more importantly, about being true to yourself