|
| P.S. I Love You | 
 enlarge | Director: Richard Lagravenese
Actors: Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon, James Marsters
Studio: Warner Home Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $28.98
Buy Used: $7.17
You Save: $21.81 (75%)
New (52) Used (29) Collectible (1) from $7.17
Avg. Customer Rating:  149 reviews
Sales Rank: 147
Format: Color, Full Screen, Widescreen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 127
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: 113862
UPC: 085391138624
EAN: 0085391138624
ASIN: B000YAA68C
Theatrical Release Date: December 21, 2007
Release Date: May 6, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: PLAYS GREAT. IMMEDIATE, FIRST CLASS SHIPPING.
|
| Customer Reviews:
 great idea, bad execution December 19, 2007
23 out of 31 found this review helpful
Unfortunately, this movie was poorly cast. The storyline is there, the idea is exciting and genuinely romantic. The cast, principals in particular is really off. there is no chemistry between Gerrard Butler and Hilary Swank. It comes down to Hilary Swank's inability to be a romantic leading lady. It's hard to imagine her romantically with anyone and Gerard Butler doesn't come through for both of them. Harry Connick Jr., who used to be a gorgeous crooner, from Hope Floats to a reoccurring role on Will and Grace has now turned into an overweight guy who is getting second-hand roles. Gina Gershon, who is usually great in each of her performances, is plagued by bad face impressions. James Marsters is extremely underused. Lisa Kudrow, the comedic light of the film, shows promise but could be a lot funnier and is generally a lot funnier in all her other roles. The only interaction that makes sense is that between Kathy Bates' character and Hilary Swank's. Their mother-daughter relationship is shaky but gets the much-needed boost at the end. The admirable features of the movie are all due to what must be genuinely good source material, i.e. the novel it is based on. The idea that the heroine isn't dependant on the guy for her salvation, but, in fact, looses herself in him is gutsy. The fact that her involvement with the love of her life stunts her ability to find herself and that it's his death that releases her is so fascinating to see on the screen and so real, that's it's scary. I only wished they would focus more on this and develop it. If they had only embraced it! Still, as far as romantic comedies go, it's refreshing to see that every once in a while there comes a movie that doesn't end with a happily ever union.
Previews were misleading--- December 31, 2007
22 out of 42 found this review helpful
So here is the thing. I don't watch many regular television programs so
have never seen some of the supporting cast and their trademark 'acts.'
I have never read the novel, P.S, I Love You. Or any other Ahern
writings. Never have seen any of the actors except Hilary Swank, Gerard
Butler and Kathy Bates. I don't know anything about walk-up apartments
in New York. (Seemed to bug some people.) I'm not an 'expert' on Irish
accents.
I caught the film for the second time 12/30 at the 10:35 a.m. showing;
there was an amazing crowd for a Sunday morning. The projection was
perfect. No microphones (complaints on some boards) on view. The sound
was great. That end song over the credits is a winner! And I loved it
more that I did the first time on the opening Friday morn, the 21st.
Holly is a real person, imperfect and annoying at times. Hilary Swank
is perfect. Those who want a 'babyface" child/woman to play Holly are
not living in the real world. There are more look-a-likes for Hilary
than the usual cookie-cutter cute young things Hollywood usually casts.
And Hilary has the chops to make us understand this childish woman and
how she starts the healing and growing up, with her Gerry's memory to
help.
I loved Lisa Kudrows questions to potentials. Very funny. I loved
Holly's quirky sister and thought she brought energy and sunshine to
her scenes. The boat scene is cliche' but funny all the same.
I still say the ballpark scene was not needed. They could have cut it
and the expense, and had the reading of the letter as voice-over.
Daniel and Holly 'were over' in the restaurant, and the audience knows
it. Daniel is an interesting "other man" and a new type. More
interesting than usual. But did anyone really think they would end up
together? Not me.
Bates is always good, but I just don't see that her part is 'wonderful'
as others keep saying. It's a part Bates can do in her sleep. The
Mother had never reconciled to the marriage and seemed waspish. Holly
had to overlook her disapproval while trying to find her way with her
husband.
I wonder how many scenes with James Marstars and Gina Gershon were left
on the cutting room floor. They were hardly in the film.
And Jeffrey Dean Morgan, although good looking in a grinny-goofy way,
hardly has any lines to say. And they are one-note. So not a great
impression.
The cinematography is gorgeous, from the streets of New York to the
Irish countryside.
Our audience today clapped when the 'Mustang Sally" scene started. More
energy and excitement there than in all the rest of the film. Gerry
Butler is Mr. Wonderful. Singing, flirting, great body language, and a
delicious deep kiss, at last. *sigh* I've upgraded my rating to a 9
from a 7.
Postcript: I didn't read this book and I have promised myself that I
will never buy a book thinking I will see it on film. Never happens. I
have promised myself I will not see every preview and teaser of a film
before I go to the theater.
The previews of PSILY were clips chopped up from 5 to 10 seconds and
did not show what the scenes they were from were about. I went thinking
I was seeing quite a different film, just from all the clips we were
able to see online and on TV. My first viewing was clouded by that
fact. I did not see what the preview seemed to say I should be seeing.
From now on I will go in like I did for "Phantom Of The Opera" -
knowing nothing, never having seen a preview. But I knew I loved the
music.
Or last years "The Departed." I had never even heard of it and went
because I wanted to see the "300" preview on a big screen. But I loved
it.
This has taught me a lesson. I've seen one preview of "Nims Island" -
the next Butler film, out in April, and love what I see. Don't want to
read the book. I'll not be watching or reading about the film. Don't
want any more information than I have right now. That way, it is just
me and what's on the screen - and that's what it's all about. One
person in the dark, reacting to what the director, crew and actors have
made for them. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. :) Jane
Holiday Confection Falls Flat December 26, 2007
21 out of 37 found this review helpful
There's nothing like a good confection to go along with the holidays. And there's nothing more that I'd like to do than enjoy a film like `P.S. I Love You'. The previews show everything inviting: A widow woman on the mend, a mystery with chain letters sent posthumously, the comic return of Lisa Kudrow, a heart-warming story about learning to live and love again after a loved one's death. There's even a performance by Kathy Bates.
The movie starts with a likable premise: Gerry (Gerard Butler), a fun-loving pub singer and Irish immigrant dies of brain cancer and leaves his wife, Holly (Hillary Swank) to grieve immobile in her Brooklyn apartment. Sounds good so far. I came into the story thinking I might get the female flick (or male sensitive movie) version of `The Ultimate Gift'. There were some problems with that movie, but the aspect of mystery with a heart is a real draw.
Holly mourns for weeks, letting her apartment go. Her mother (Bates) and her best friend (Kudrow) try to snap her out of it. On her thirtieth birthday, balloons and a cake are delivered, complete with a tape recorder with Gerry's voice intact, telling her she's to follow the instructions from a series of letters meant to ease her grieving and move on in life.
At Irish Teddy's Bar where he used to sing, bartender, Daniel (Harry Connick, Jr.) is the kind of jerk women love to hate, but tries to make a move while Holly's on the mend. She goes out on the town and takes a trip to Ireland and connects with Gerry's family, but the film mostly falters. The trouble is time is needed for these wounds, and the movie almost makes the four seasons of her grieving in real time.
Unfortunately the movie didn't live up to the previews. Here's why: If the film were nearly as well edited as the trailor, it would flown better. There's one speed they know best and that's slow. Sometimes it's essential; at others it's deadly. The material is drawn out; it's spotty for mirth and warmth. There's a joke here, a letdown there. The movie lingers over every development. The flashbacks don't help the film much, either. The delivery mainly feels forced.
Swank gives a heartfelt performance that clearly identifies our sympathies for her plight, and Bates is as believable as ever as the hard-boiled mother, who underneath her exterior shines a true and loving heart. Lisa Kudrow still has a likable return, even if the movie's timing gives her short shrift. In comparison to his role in 'Bug,' Harry Connick, Jr. shows a real acting range. Similarly, Gerard Butler shows his repertoire from feisty sword and sandal king in '300' to a likable character, worthy of grieving about.
Despite good performances and a good premise, 'P.S. I Love You' fails to connect with the audience. Unlike movies such as 'The Notebook,' and `Ghost' it fails to deliver the emotional depth one would expect from the subject matter with a script and direction that need to be lively at the times the characters and audience need it most.
A cute idea in need of severe editing"-P.S. I need to move along!" December 28, 2007
19 out of 28 found this review helpful
Oh well,I am not here to be popular.I am here to be honest,and if ever a film could have used a colon cleanser to get it moving,it would be "P.S. I Love You"!
I usually love films like this.I had seen the trailer enough times, and especially liking Gerard Butler (The Phantom of the Opera (Two-Disc Special Edition) and 300 (Widescreen Edition)) I was primed for an entertaining and heart touching film.Well,it did not work for me,not because of the story itself or the acting,but Good God this film needed some editing!!!!!!!!!! This film moved like my Grandmother used to say,like "Molasses creeping up hill on a cold January day!" For all of it's good intentions "P.S. I Love You" just droned like a wheezing bagpipe! Sorry folks!
Strange twists of fate July 7, 2008
18 out of 25 found this review helpful
"I hope
life treats you kind
And I hope
you have all you've dreamed of
And I wish you joy
and happiness
But above all this
I wish you love
And I...
Will always love you"
(Whitney Houston)
Gerry (Gerard Butler) and Holly (Hilary Swank) are married, without children, and are very much in love. Swept off her feet at a tender age by the handsome Irishman, Holly isn't exactly sure what she wants from life, and this leads to petty squabbles and extremely hot making up afterwards.
Before they really get started, the Fates snip Gerry's thread, and Holly is left with a snazzy urn and an empty apartment, which she proceeds to fill with her blue funk.
Her thirtieth birthday brings a big surprise, as it seems that for once, Gerry has made a plan. Gerry's gift goes on giving, and gradually Holly comes to terms with her life, while we, the audience, get to look on with unbridled glee.
Butler is as easy on the eyes as always, and Swank pulls off a difficult role with apparent ease. Lisa Kudrow is a perfect friend, and Kathy Bates proves unsinkable. Other good performances are logged by Gina Gershon and Harry Connick Jnr.
Short Attention Span Summary (SASS):
1.Sometimes even death can't end an undying love
A chick flick, but an extremely watchable one, especially for fans of Gerard Butler.
Amanda Richards, July 6, 2008
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| |
