A grieving young widow discovers that her late husband 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.
I've been wanting to see this movie since way before it was released, so finally Friday night I went and saw it with a friend. Before seeing it, I'd heard it was a sad movie, to bring lots of tissue, but I'll say right now, that while yes, there were several sad moments, it was also funny and endearing and sweet, and I didn't cry, but I did laugh.
When we first meet Holly and Gerry, they are fighting. It's one of those silly "female" arguments that makes me roll my eyes, but it leads to some humor and making up, and Gerry in his boxers with no shirt - now that's just lovely. Shortly afterwards - and I can say this without spoilers - Gerry dies. Holly, naturally is devastated. She wants to stay in her apartment and never leave, but friends and family won't let that happen. And nor will Gerry. He comes up with a plan to get Holly to join the land of the living again, to bring her back to the girl he fell in love with many years before.
She revisits old haunts and goes to Ireland, and we see moments from their past together, like how they met. Her mother doesn't approve of Holly doing all of these things because she thinks it's only prolonging her grief, but Holly does it anyway, and begins to find a way back to herself. Holly struggles, and cries, and feels jealous when good things happen to her friends because she thinks that part of her life is over, yet that is the lesson Gerry is trying to teach her - her life goes on, and there are many wonderful things still awaiting her. It's a lesson that takes her awhile to learn.
What I didn't like:
- Holly's uptight, almost neurotic personality. It made me wonder why a guy like Gerry would stick around. Most of the time it baffled me as to what Gerry saw in Holly to begin with, except for a few moments when she lets herself go and enjoys herself.
- The lack of chemistry. Hilary Swank is pretty in an ugly duckling kind of way, and Gerard Butler is the definition of a sexy, earthy Irishman (or Scot) with a love of life and sense of adventure, yet I couldn't see these two together. Hilary seems uptight during the more intimate moments, and the scenes felt awkward at times. (Let's just say their first kiss was nothing like John's and Margaret's from "North and South". Now that was sexy and romantic in its innocence and exploration. Whew!)
- Holly attracting the attention of all the straight, unmarried men. Why? Didn't get that. Lisa Kudrow was more more interesting. Not that I didn't like Holly because she has her moments. I just figure in real life, men would run far from someone like her. But then, what do I know?
What I did like:
- Holly's best friends, played by Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon. While both are probably older than Holly (probably by about 10 years) there was a relaxed, bantering camraderie between them that worked really well. Lisa Kudrow is funny as hell, such a great actress, and so self-absorbed in this movie - I loved it. The scene in the boat is priceless.
- Gerard Butler, Harry Connick Jr., and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Gerard is not afraid to put himself out there, whether emotionally or at the risk of being laughed at. His chararcter is sexy and charming, with that lovely accent and twinkling eyes, and how much he loved his wife. Loved that. Harry Connick Jr. is funny as a bartender with what he calls "no filter". He basically says whatever pops into his head, and it's hilarious. Jeffrey Dean Morgan (from Grey's Anatomy) is the epitome of an Irishmen (is he Irish in real life?) with that engaging smile, sparkling eyes, and brawny build. Both him and Gerard sing in the movie too, which is fun. Ladies, I say we all go to Ireland to bring us back some hotties - who's with me?
Yet despite its faults and the awkward romance between the main characters, I would recommend seeing it for the beauty of Ireland (men included), the humor, the sweet moments, and the friendships. For me, I got my Gerard Butler fix, so I'm a very happy girl to have seen it.
Rating: **** out of *****
Labels: Gerard Butler, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 1/06/2008 07:59:00 AM
I'm supposed to see this today ~ I'm looking forward to it despite the fact that Hillary Swank is in it (not a fan). But for Ireland, Gerald, Harry, and Jeffrey I'm looking foward to it. Plus, I really do like Lisa Kudrow and have heard she is pretty awesome in this.
byHi Stacy,
byI enjoyed your review and had the same thoughts about Hilary's character. I wasn't sure what the undying attraction was, but that does happen in life! I'm a huge Gerard Butler fan and thought he was the highlight of the movie. I did cry, but thought it was so funny at the same time. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is not Irish, but did a great job on his accent.
I haven't seen this movie either, but I'd definitely volunteer to be the white creamy filling in a Gerry/Jeffrey sammich.
byI adore Jeffrey Dean Morgan. He's got the exact big, brawny build I love, and his smile is devastating. I hear he has tatts too. Well, what more could I possibly want?!
Enjoy, Dev. There's still parts worth seeing.
byAnon, hello! I loved Gerard in this movie - his character was so full of life, and Jeffrey does an awesome job on bein' Irish.
MK, JDM is just yummy in this movie, with those tats and those muscles and that smile...and, AND, you get to see his fine ass in the movie, yep, nekkid. If that doesn't entice you, then I don't know what will ;)
As tempting as this one is - and it is tempting - Gerard Butler - yum - I'm going to pass on it. A bit too close to home for me.
byI've thought about seeing this one. Someone I work with told me to bring tissues, and so I wasn't sure about going to see it (I don't like to cry in movie theaters). One of my friends wants to see it because of Gerard. If I'm in the right frame of mind, maybe I'll go see it. Otherwise, I'll wait for the DVD. Thanks for the review, Stacy!
byI was hoping to go and see this on the weekend, but it didn't happen! Hopefully this week!
byI have never understood the attraction to Hilary Swank - although she does look great in the movie poster.
I've been wanting to see this. I might wait till it goes to the cheap theater.
byBut I'm looking forward to all those Irish Accents.
I'm down for Ireland... :)