Warner Bros. Pictures and Alcon Entertainment present a 126 minute, PG-13 film directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Hilary Swank (Holly Kennedy), Gerard Butler (Gerry Kennedy), Lisa Kudrow (Denise Hennessey), Gina Gershon (Sharon McCarthy), James Marsters (John McCarthy), Kathy Bates (Patricia), Harry Connick Jr. (Daniel Connelly), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (William) with Dean Winters (Tom), Anne Kent (Rose Kennedy), Brain McGrath (Martin Kennedy), Sherie Rene Scott (Barbara), Susan Blackwell (Vicky) and Michael Countryman (Ted).
This film, based on a novel, could fall into the so called chick flick category but I must say it is very worthy of the female audience and of course the perfect date movie. Swank once again was exceptional, although I could also see, Anniston, Garner or Bullock in the role as well. Butler, not as buff as 300 was perfect as the lost loved one seen throughout most of the film in flashbacks. Kudrow, not a far cry from her character Phoebe from the television show 'Friends" and Gershon were great in the supporting roles shining a bit of humor and misguided structure to the main characters. Connick, well what's not to like other than the fact that he walks a fine line between honest and a bit child-like in this role adding a torn character struggling to understand what women truly want from a man. As for Bates, the usual perfection, even though her character comes and goes, her motherly stature always projects on the big screen.
Set in New York, the Irish accented Lad, Gerry and the American realtor, Holly, may not of had a big apartment, great likeable jobs and children but they did have one thing, each other. Like all couples they fight, make-up by saying their sorry and have sex. Ok, maybe like some couples! But life is not all about the norm, actually is there such a thing anymore? Maybe, just maybe, life is also about two people finding each other and becoming one and accepting the fact that happiness is found amongst each others touch, voice, personality and spirit.
But all good things end and so does their relationship. Not due to divorce or unhappiness, making one leave the other of choice but rather by death. At Teddy's bar, a vigil is held for Gerry by Holly, family and close friends honoring his life and respecting his wishes. A shot of liquor, his favorite song and memories of his days are cherished amongst his ashes contained in an urn designed by his wife. Weeks go by and Holly grieves the loss in many predictable ways as many of us do. Staying in bed, not showering, not cleaning the apartment, shutting herself off from friends and family until on her 30th birthday the door bell rings and her mother and friends are there to help. But when a cake arrives not soon after, a mystery unfolds within this brilliantly written, directed and acted romantic drama slash comedy. The cake is sent by Gerry after his death along with a recording telling Holly that she will receive letters from him helping her learn once again how to love and live life again.
Partying with the girls, traveling through a magnificent scenic landscape in Ireland, conversations with friends that will be forever are all journeys that Holly walks on her path to acceptance. As Holly lives life through the passing of seasons she constantly feels Gerry's presence which is portrayed through thoughts and flashbacks that mold well within the story line. She begins to experience new encounters while always remembering the old times with Gerry. She contemplates why he sent her these letters over time, whether it was a cruel way to keep her memories alive with him or a way to deal with the future. Life goes on even amongst her dearest friends and Holly starts to face the reality that her life too must grow and evolve. While in Ireland she encounters William, her bare foot and him bare buttock, they discover that this world in which we live is truly small and fate does have a way of shining a light down a dark path.
Within every kiss lies the truth and if you look close enough and pay attention to the signs, in time your true destiny will unfold as does Holly's. Sometimes we all need to learn to stop waiting and except the fact that being on our own is the stepping stone to fulfillment once again with life. But alone or not, in the reading of the last letter the truth be told in the delivery to Holly to once again walk ahead. Cherish the friends in your life, watch for the signals and never be afraid to once again fall in love because in life there never really is a plan but rather the sole art found within yourself.
The perfect movie for that perfect date during that perfect holiday to keep you aware that we all need to live life to fullest, cherish the people that support us within it and forever remember to hold on to the memories but never be afraid to create new ones. This was one of the fastest two hours spent in the theatre even though it may have been a bit cliché and predictable at times it still adds moments of bewilderment and thought provoking emotions set to an enjoyable score. Even though it deals with the death of a loved one it still does not fare as heavy as some of the other holiday films to hit the big screen this season. So, take a moment to enjoy a delightful story about one woman on her journey towards acceptance. Maybe, you too, will learn something while enjoying a superb sweet and innocent film. Remember in closing, to always tell the ones in your life, "P.S. I Love You".
Reporting for Talkin' Pets, I'm Jon Patch.