When Bobby was away in Singapore for work 2 weeks ago I thought I'd watch me some romcom (romantic comedy) to combat a tad of loneliness. I found a good copy of the movie P.S. I Love You, a (you guessed it) romantic comedy starring 2 time Oscar winner Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Lisa Kudrow, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Gina Gershon, Harry Connick Jr and James Marsden. The movie is not new, having been released in 2007, and it didn't have great reviews so I wasn't hankering to see it. Not to mention I couldn't imagine Swank in a fluffy romantic comedy after her dramatic turns in Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby. But it was a good DVD copy and you know, I had some time on my hands.
The movie is based on the book by Cecelia Aherns, although according to Beloved Sisters (who watched the movie at my behest) the movie didn't quite stay true to the book. The summary of the movie at IMDB written by Orange goes like this:
Holly Kennedy is beautiful, smart and married to the love of her life - a passionate, funny, and impetuous Irishman named Gerry. So when Gerry's life is taken by an illness, it takes the life out of Holly. The only one who can help her is the person who is no longer there. Nobody knows Holly better than Gerry. So it's a good thing he planned ahead. Before he died, Gerry wrote Holly a series of letters that will guide her, not only through her grief, but in rediscovering herself. The first message arrives on Holly's 30th birthday in the form of a cake, and to her utter shock, a tape recording from Gerry, who proceeds to tell her to get out and "celebrate herself". In the weeks and months that follow, more letters from Gerry are delivered in surprising ways, each sending her on a new adventure and each signing off in the same way; P.S. I Love You. Holly's mother and best friends begin to worry that Gerry's letters are keeping Holly tied to the past, but in fact, each letter is pushing her further into a new future. With Gerry's words as her guide, Holly embarks on a journey of rediscovery in a story about marriage, friendship and how a love so strong can turn the finality of death into a new beginning for life
I know. Pretty gooey stuff right?
I had expected to watch the movie with one eye on the TV and one eye on my computer screen. So I don't know whether its all the MissBimbo action I've been partaking that possibly helped increased my estrogen levels, but even before the opening credits rolled, I was hooked. Quite unexpectedly. I must say that the movie has a first scene that catches your eyes (and breath). Hilary is without a doubt a good actress and she pulled off a romantic part in an endearing way. Hilary too has a kick ass body after playing a boxer in Million Dollar Baby, so when she leapt off the couch and into his arms, her legs clasping her torso, he in a white singlet, made me press the rewind button. The sight of Gerard Butler, fresh out of being King Leonidas in that highly testosterone charged movie called 300, a little less buff than when he was sparta, wearing nary a loin cloth but some adorable manly boyish (yes there is such a thing) clothes, is arresting.
The movie also has very funny moments. Supported by a good cast, I thought Holly's girlfriends were right for her and well played by Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon. Harry Connick Jr acted like a moron. And looked like one. James Marsters (previously platinum-haired Spike on Buffy) played his role adequately. Kathy Bates played Swank's mother in the film and did so briskly. Jeffrey Dean singing and playing the guitar is definitely pleasing to a girl's psyche.
But back to Gerard.
Ladies, if you haven't watched the movie, it would be remiss of me not to ask you to find a copy and WATCH HIM, I mean, THE MOVIE.
Gentlemen, go surf some titillation or something.
The poster doesn't do him aaany justice.
eggs out of 5. Two of which belongs to Mr Butler.
Have a happy weekend everyone.
I second, triple, quadruple that. :D I watched it a few weeks ago and am still smitten with Mr. Butler. He's my dream guy. sigh i want my own Gerry! i cried so much during the movie that my eyes were still puffy the next day. it's now one of my most favourite movies.
Posted by: cheryl | Thursday, 05 June 2008 at 05:40 PM
I'm one of the few that didn't like the novel, but loved the movie!
Gerard Butler -- PHWOAR!!
Posted by: Tina | Saturday, 10 May 2008 at 10:50 PM