P.S. I Love You is a film that deals with the heavy themes of loss, grief and abandonment yet also aims to be a romantic comedy. Starring 2 time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank and 300 star Gerard Butler, the film is directed by Richard LaGravenese from a screenplay he co-wrote with Steven Rogers.
Holly played by Swank and Gerry played by Butler have been together for 11 years. When Gerry dies suddenly Holly has no idea how to live without him. And the only person who can help her get through her grief is no longer around.
The opening scene which pays homage to the Spencer Tracey, Katherine Hepburn style of comedy somehow put me off kilter for the rest of the film. The dialogue heavy scene was a little forced so I wasn't totally convinced of Holly and Gerry's relationship.
Swank seems uncomfortable in the role of Holly. I think her forte, as an actress is when she can completely submerge into a character role.
Holly is so normal and requires the light touch of someone like Sandra Bullock. I think Swank and her director were slightly off key.
As Gerry, Gerard Butler's charismatic performance will have his fans swooning.
Writer, director LaGravenese is best known for his terrific screenplay The Fisher King so I was disappointed the script for P.S. I Love You didn't work better. The basic premise of a dead man leaving letters or rather instructions for his widow just didn't gel with the film's romantic comedy aspirations.
Despite an interesting premise and some solid performances the film just didn't quite come together - P.S. I Love You rates 2.5 stars and is in cinemas now.
