As the movie drags on for more than two hours, there’s something lost in translation. Swank cries and pouts perfectly on cue, but that essential emotional element is severely lacking once Gerry is gone. While everyone’s response to grief is different, prancing around in a bra and singing along loudly to Judy Garland showtunes in your apartment isn’t what one expects from someone in pain. But this is exactly what Holly does and where the potential for provocative post-movie conversation about dealing with death quickly comes to a screeching halt.

Interestingly enough, it’s the supporting cast that makes P.S. I Love You even remotely watchable. Gina Gershon makes the most of her limited cameo as Holly’s cynical friend, while Harry Connick Jr. plays a loveable guy with loads of problems—including blurting out whatever comes to mind. Ultimately, it’s Friends alum, Lisa Kudrow who steals every scene she’s in, however. Sure, her character, Denise, is kooky just like Phoebe from Friends. But her search for her soulmate, complete with a witty verbal questionnaire, could’ve been a far more entertaining movie by itself, which is sad considering this is supposed to be Holly’s story.

And that’s precisely what solidifies how bad this movie really is. When the supporting characters are more interesting than the lead character you’re supposed to root for, and the sentiments about grieving and moving on with life seem to be ripped from a Hallmark card, it’s no longer fun, escapist entertainment with a message. It’s just plain painful.

CAUTIONS:

• Drugs/Alcohol:  Several scenes involve social drinking in bars.
• Language/Profanity:  There are an assortment of profanities and instances where the Lord’s name is taken in vain strewn throughout
• Sex/Nudity:  This category is where the bulk of the PG-13 rating comes from. There are several discussions of a frank sexual nature, including one when Holly and her friends go to a gay club. The newly widowed Holly also has a one-night stand with William (his bare bottom is shown in an earlier scene). Holly is also shown in bed with her husband, Gerry, in a few scenes, but nothing too graphic is shown, aside from kissing and a “striptease” played for laughs by Gerry (he’s bare chested and wearing boxers). In an attempt to sexualize Holly, she’s also shown in her bra and scantily clad in quite a few scenes.
• Violence:  Only of the comedic variety.