Movie Review for PS I Love You

Plot: Couple married against the advice of their parents share a love that transcends even death

Decidedly a "chick flick" for those of us girls who love a good romance, PS I Love You is a sweet love story of two kids who marry against the better judgement and wishes of both sets of parents. The story opens with an argument between the two which melts into a steamy kissing fest after they begin to make up. There is a cute segment after they retreat to bed about who has to get up and turn out the light. The movie then fast forwards to the funeral of Gerry (the husband) and the deep depression that Holly (the wife) sinks into after losing the love of her life. On her birthday, Holly receives a surprise delivery of a cake and a tape recording from her late husband. In the recording, Gerry tells Holly that she will be receiving letters from him, written prior to his death. Holly anxiously awaits the arrival of each letter and they become the focus of her existence. Her friends, Sharon and Denise, try to pull her from her depression as Daniel, the bartender, longs to be the next Gerry.

Hillary Swank paints a wonderful portrait as Holly, the bereaved young woman, who goes from a giddy, talkative college girl on holiday in Ireland, to the vibrant wife of Gerry, played by Gerard Butler. Gerry lovingly puts up with Holly's fiery mood swings and shoe throwing tantrums. He reaches from beyond the grave to soothe her grief and to guide her on her way to new life and love. Lisa Kudrow is in full character as Denise, the sexy fun loving, liberated friend, who has "earned a God given right to view men as a piece of meat". Incidentally, speaking of meat, there is plenty of Irish accented beefcake for us ladies to swoon over. Gina Gershon plays Sharon, the married, settled one who balances out the trio of friends. Kathy Bates is the typical concerned mother who thinks her son in law is far from "Mr. Right", yet in an ironic twist shows a different side of her gruff disapproving nature. Harry Connick Jr. wears his heart on his sleeve (and face) as he watches Holly lovingly from the sidelines awaiting his turn in her arms.

A sweet and touching story, PS I Love You makes you misty eyed at some scenes and laugh out loud tickled at others. This movie is for every woman who just wishes that there really was that one perfect love.