P.S. I Love You is a romantic comedy enveloped in sappiness and only lightly broken up by stale humor.  Loosely based on the book by Cecilia Ahern, Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler star in this film about a recently widowed woman who receives letters from her dead husband.  Holly (Swank), haunted by a recurring image of her husband, cuts herself off from the outside world after his death, her only refuge being his old belongings and classic Hollywood movies.  On her 30th birthday she receives her first letter of many.  Gerry (Butler) sets up an ingenious plan to connect to his wife from beyond the grave, helping her to move on from his death and establish a life without him.  His letters instruct her to do things (“Learn to fish. Take a chance. Travel.”) that will ease her grieving and perpetuate her life forward all the while reminding her of some of their memories together. Although seemingly morbid, there is something enchanting and sweet about the way he perfectly plans everything out, sending her to Ireland with her girlfriends, for example, to let loose, recount their first meeting, and connect with her former in-laws. 

The film manages to probe the heartstrings not unlike The Notebook does.   You understand Gerry's love for his wife and his extraordinary attempts to make it known to her.  P.S. I Love You succeeds in bringing unique components to break up the routine of the romantic comedy, but fails in its attempts to make a good joke.  I was most disappointed that even the zany Lisa Kudrow wasn't able to deliver a laugh. 

Special Features

The disc has a few special features worth watching.  The additional scenes actually provide a bit of humor where the film does not.  The interview with author Cecelia Ahern further illuminates the movie's story and its transition to the big screen.  The “Snaps” feature explains a game that's mentioned in the movie but does so in a way obviously meant to be humorous, to which it isn't.  Finally, there's a music video of James Blunt's Same Mistake. 

Final Thoughts

While I don't think this movie will be enjoyed by everyone, it does send a powerful message about love, grief, and living life. Though it lacks much needed comic relief, it touches the soul in its aphoristic nature.  Even if you don't care about such things the breathtaking shots of Ireland alone make watching the movie worthwhile.