PS I Love Gerry!

Rating: 7/10 (9 January 2008)

OK - first off I admit I would go watch Gerard Butler read a telephone directory in an empty room. But going to see him play a part where he can let his good looks, charm, masculinity and acting skills (yes the man CAN act) is a bonus. So did it please and entertain as much as it should have? Well for starters, I had read the book - and have to say I wasn't overly impressed. But that wasn't going to deter me overmuch, given the Butler incentive. The ensemble cast were impressive, plenty of fine actors present, and I would say most did justice to their roles. Hilary and Gerard had wonderful chemistry, a believable relationship.
The (thankfully) long opening scene whereby we are given an insight into Holly and Gerry's marriage is wonderfully amusing letting us know how much in love these two are and just how much they live for each other, despite the arguments (the making up looks fun! - *sigh*) However, as the opening credits role, you realise that something BAD has happened - and when we re-open the movie Gerry has died. As someone previously pointed out - it was a bit abrupt - but then it is a romantic comedy so how much time would you give over to the lead up and horror of someone so young dying? And so to getting on with what the movie is really about - Holly unable to pick up the pieces of her shattered life - until she starts receiving letters from Gerry guiding her how to move on.
From that point the movie splits between the present - and the challenges Holly has to face, and the flashbacks to her former life with Gerry - even back to how they met, which keeps it bittersweet. You long for her to be able to embrace life again - then a flashback brings back the sadness of a life lost. I wouldn't call it an all-out tear-jerker - but you'll definitely have a lump in your throat.
The casting was great, Kathy Bates as Holly's mum particularly good. The scenery (no I'm not back to Mr Butler just yet) in Ireland was beautiful, the soundtrack great - brilliant to see and hear Gerry singing once again (although apparently NOT on the soundtrack?????) Of course the moral of the story was always going to be that Life Does Go On - we know that - so in that respect it hit the mark.
It was never meant to be a deep, serious look at life and death and lost loves, but a light hearted tale of a woman coming to terms with a tragedy (if that's not too much of a contradiction) not sure I like the term chick-flick, or if it really is, but it's a movie worth seeing and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Oh - just go see it and see why Gerry has a huge, and growing legion of fans! Hot, Hottt, Hottttttt!