Unique movie turns into an afterthought

By Sharon Meyer

You know those movies people say you’ll never forget? Well, P.S. I Love You is one you wish you could forget.

It would be easy to turn this movie away because it sounds like a typical tearjerker, and that is exactly what you should do: Pick another movie.

A struggling marriage with its ups and downs takes a turn for the worse when Holly (Hilary Swank) becomes a widow and begins receiving messages from her late husband, Gerry (Gerard Butler), which are meant to help her start a new life.

Gerry had planned for his messages to reach Holly through friends, family and even a singing telegram man. Her best friends, Denise (Lisa Kudrow) and Sharon (Gina Gershon), join her journey of recovery thanks to letters telling her to go out with friends for karaoke night.

These messages begin to appear on her 30th birthday and help her discover who she is and what she can accomplish without Gerry by her side. Holly’s mother, Patricia (Kathy Bates), is the only one against these letters because she feels they will encourage her to dwell on his death even more.

Unfortunately, the acting in this film is mediocre. Swank does not seem to fit the part of a lonely widow. She usually plays more of a tough character, and to see her in a romantic and tragic film seems less fitting. She is able to bring sadness to the role, especially in how Holly locks herself in her apartment to mourn Gerry.

Butler provides comic relief as Gerry. His side comments and quick remarks, even from the grave, carry most of the movie. Supporting actresses Kudrow and Gershon also contribute to the comedic elements in the film.

The movie also seems to drag in parts, especially in the beginning. The question would come to one’s head, “Where is this going or is it even going anywhere?”

The actual basis of this movie, receiving messages from a loved one after he or she died, is an original concept, but it still does not make for a great film.

At times it falls back into the rut of the typical romantic comedy involving a possible love interest and a mother who disapproves of the marriage from the beginning.

The film plays like a bad Lifetime movie: saturated in sentimentality and filled with hollow words.

Despite the original concept, the movie doesn’t hit home for most. So, if it’s a rainy night and all the bowling alleys are filled, all the pool halls are packed, and there is nothing better to do, then crack open a book and save yourself $10.

P.S. I Love You will be playing in the BLC Theater tonight at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow night at 9 p.m.