Wonderful Film, with outstanding Music.

Rating: 7/10 (11 January 2008)

I really enjoyed this movie and cannot understand its trashing by some critics.Perhaps they didn't like the fact that it doesn't fit into the usual rom-com pigeonhole,and many also seemed to disapprove of Hilary Swank's change of acting genre. The film is romantic and touching but also shot through with astringent humour - just like life itself, which can be disjointed and unpredictable. The music all through the film is excellent, with a variety of artists and moods and the 'P.S I love You' CD that has been released brings it all back to you - the only regret I have is that 'Mustang Sally' and 'Galway Girl' sung by Gerard Butler in the film, are not included. (He really can perform a song well and you can see his rock singer background.) I liked Hilary Swank very much as Holly and admire her for taking on the challenge of such a different role. She had depth suited to her character. Gerry Butler was wonderful and completely nailed the rogueish,charming,mischievous Gerry Kennedy. The chemistry between them was palpable and produced the best screen kisses for some time - especially in the Irish scenes. They ranged from tender,tentative first kisses in a country lane, to the scene in a pub where he sings to her,circling her, moving in closer until he abandons his guitar and sweeps her into his arms in a passionate embrace.(No wonder Mr Butler has the female following he has!) The chemistry was also there in another scene where Holly sings just for him and all his feelings for her show in his eyes. The other members of the cast were also excellent - Jeffrey Dean Morgan as sexy, gentle William: Harry Connick Junior's Daniel, the bartender with problems of his own:Kathy Bates, wonderful as Holly's protective,practical mother:the two best friends,Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon who brought much of the humour to the film. The locations were an additional plus. New York looked great, especially dressed up for Christmas, and Ireland was stunning and probably reminded Gerry Butler of Scotland and the country walks near his mother's home. One further comment on this actor's amazing range and the gallery of such different characters he has played so convincingly, even in films which were not box office triumphs. I had watched '300' on DVD the night before I saw 'P.S. I love You' and after seeing Leonidas cutting a bloody swathe through Xerxes' army, it was comical yet bizarre when Holly scolds Gerry and he asks plaintively 'Do I have to sleep in the bathtub again?'
So I hope you go and see the movie and judge for yourself - I am sure you will enjoy it.