CAC Presents: Third Consecutive Chick Flick
For the guys waiting for the past two weeks to see a movie that they will like, wait another week longer. Although not a fairy tale, “P.S. I Love You” is a definite “chick flick” whose sloppy handling of serious subject matter and forced emotion will leave viewers rolling their eyes instead of sympathizing.
The film finds Holly (Hilary Swank) and Gerry (Gerard Butler) in the midst of a marital argument. Although their discussion of future plans becomes heated, they very quickly move from fighting to love making. The scenes soon fast forward to a wake for Gerry who has died from a brain tumor. Unable to process losing a husband, Holly shuts herself in her apartment for the next few weeks, watching old movies and wearing Gerry’s clothes. On her thirtieth birthday, Holly is surprised by several friends who find an unexpected package for Holly. A birthday cake with a recorded message from Gerry is the start of a flood of letters delivered daily to Holly from her dead husband. They contain instructions for ways for Holly to overcome her grief such as going to karaoke nights and celebrating with her friends. Her mother (Kathy Bates) believes that these letters are keeping Holly from moving beyond Gerry, and pushes her to ignore the letters. Holly also begins to fall for the uncouth, foul mouthed Daniel (Harry Connick Jr.). Gerry’s plan for the letters is finally revealed when he sends Holly and her friends Denise (Lisa Kudrow) and Sharon (Gina Gershon) to his native Ireland.
“P.S. I Love You” tries to be too many movies at once. Although the ads make the movie appear like a romantic comedy, the issues are actually pretty deep and the movie gets heavy at times. The movie, however, fails to provide either lighthearted romance or a serious exploration of the grieving process.
For the most part, the actors do the best they can with a poorly crafted screenplay. Hilary Swank tries hard, but compared to her other roles, this is a dud. Lisa Kudrow plays the same character she always does and Kathy Bates does a decent job as Swank’s mother. Harry Connick Jr.’s performance of a man with no decency filter gets old, but most is due to the poorly written character. The others actors aren’t stellar, but they are as solid as they can be given the script.
Although the movie is overly sappy and tries to force emotion, there are sure to be several fans of the film. It plays to the typical “chick flick” crowd by throwing in many “tear jerker” scenes. The movie definitely has its sweet and funny moments, but they get overwhelmed in the total sappy project. “P.S. I Love You” is not the romantic comedy that it might appear from the commercials, but isn’t a realistic portrayal of loss. It floats somewhere in the middle, seeking to appease the “chick flick” crowd while alienating the majority of movie fans.
