Holly Kennedy is smart, beautiful and married to smart and beautiful Gerry. They are perfect for one another. But when Gerry's life is suddenly taken by an illness Holly's world is thrown upside down. Stricken with grief there is only one person who can help her through this troubled time"¦ Gerry. Planning ahead Gerry has left a series of notes to be delivered to Holly after his passing. Though each note was written prior to his departure Garry has planned every delivery and appointment to perfection. He knows his wife better than anyone else, and through his letters Holly is able to handle her grief, her uncertainty and the one thing that so many of us wash away on things that we can't control "¦ her life.
Though somewhat predictable, P.S. I Love You proves to withstand the test of time as it grows on you, making you smile at the times and memories that the two lovers shared, hoping that one day you will know that someone loves you as much as Gerry and Holly loved one another.
One thing is for certain, Hilary Swank can do no wrong in my book. I swear I was the only person who truly enjoyed her last film, The Reaping, and I might be the only person who enjoyed this film "“ but I want to say that Hilary Swank really sold it for me. Her confidence, tone and delivery are incomparable as the two time Academy Award winner is, and always will be, a giant leap ahead of all the others. Her style is perfect and the way that she gets into the head of Holly, bringing her emotions, her pain and her troubles to the forefront really helps to create a strong character. We feel with Holly, her joys and tears are ours and with that the film excels beyond all expectations.
However I also want to commend director Richard LaGravenese. The story of a loved one leaving behind notes and presents is nothing new; however LaGravenese is able to capture the emotions and attitudes of all the characters, bringing them to life and creating a strong relatable set of characters, something that is missing from so many other films these days. Additionally his use of camera angles and scenery really create the perfect atmosphere for a romantic comedy, creating a warm, homey feeling within the audience. All in all, he did perfect to create a stellar film from a been there done that story "“ something that many directors have a difficult time doing.
Lastly I want to comment on the music used throughout the feature. Romantic comedies are often plagued by overused mainstream radio hits; however P.S. I Love You took a different route as they created some stellar tracks, mixing them to match the onscreen feelings and attitudes perfectly. Each song grasps the tone that is on screen, capturing even the slightest sense of regress or jubilee within the characters and really setting the stage for an above par romantic comedy.
Though it was predictable and did suffer from a long, drawn out conclusion P.S. I Love You excels on the world of leading lady Hilary Swank and director Richard LaGravenese as well as the intelligent use of music on its way to creating a success, one that even I am personally surprised at.
