Movie Review: 'P.S. I Love You'

After the rush of “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” and the laughs in “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” I thought it’s probably time for a chick flick, so on Saturday I went to “P.S. I Love You.”

Everyone knows Hilary Swank can act. She has two Oscars to prove it. However, I don’t know what possessed the director to cast her as the lead in this film. It’s hard to believe but she’s more buff than the male lead, Gerard Butler, and he starred in “300” last year.

“P.S. I Love You” is the story of a grieving young widow (Swank) who discovers that her late husband (Butler) has left her a list of tasks revealed in 10 messages, delivered anonymously, intended to ease her out of grief and transition her to a new life.

The story was particularly touching to me because a dear friend of mine’s husband died from melanoma last year. He was in his late 40s. She, too, is dealing with this enormous loss, but unlike our heroine, she isn’t getting messages to help her move on.

As much as the story was relevant for me, it was slow to develop. There were times when I just wanted to say, “Get on with it.”

I found it hard to warm up to Swank, but I did like Butler’s character, Gerry, an Irish musician. I also liked the supporting cast including Lisa Kudrow and Harry Connick Jr. They provided the comic relief. Nice scenery shots of Ireland, too.

If you’re in the mood for a chick flick and a few tears, checkout “P.S. I Love You.”

(Kay Johnson is a staff writer at the Hutchinson Leader. She can be reached at johnson@hutchinsonleader.com).