Strained to NOT be sentimental, but the clumsy attempt at "realism" was unconvincing. Should have just followed the genre. Overall, was good though

Rating: 7/10 (22 December 2007)

"P.S. I Love You" deals with the trickiest of movie subjects. Think about it. It COULD be complete treacle, and nothing but cheesy sentimentality. Overall, though, while the movie has its flaws, and is a BIT soppy in parts, it actually does a decent job.
Where it did well, in my view, was in its portrayal of the relationship between the main characters, Holly and Gerry. It is no secret that Gerry dies (it's in every trailer and poster), and Holly is faced with having to cope, whilst moving on. The clever bit is that while his health was fading, and he knew he would die soon, Gerry arranged for a series of communiques and other messages to surprise, delight, and inspire the woman he knew would soon be his widow.
All of that is plausible enough. Hey, it's a MOVIE, for goodness' sake, and this plot is not any more implausible than any other fiction.
I found myself actually believing and enjoying the first third of the movie, then. I LIKED Gerry, and I "bought" Holly and Gerry's marriage. Where it fell apart a bit for me was the middle third, where Holly dealt with her friends. These three or four women were some of the dumbest, most annoying characters I have seen this year. What slags! Selfish, short-sighted, and shallow, every one of them.
The final third was almost as frustrating, although things ended on a better note. However, it was painfully obvious that the director was straining overly to avoid any "pat" or too happy an ending. As if he was afraid of his genre, and was desperate to appear "realistic" or something. The movie's forced sense of nonchalance was strained, and was worse than if it had just given in and given the main female character the happy ending the genre demanded, and we were all expecting.
Life DOES work out for people very often! People DO find happiness. There is nothing wrong with a bit of cinematic "happy ending for all" from time to time. It would have been more honest, easier to film, and more satisfying to watch.
But, overall, not bad. Maybe because I'm a bloke I missed some subtlety or nuance? Maybe women will be more appreciative? Dunno... I thought the girl-gang was lame, and the false "non-sentiment" was unconvincing. But truthfully, I DID enjoy, mostly, the movie, and gave it a 7 out of 10.