Review of If Only

If Only (2004)
Not what I was expecting...better
21 January 2016
This wasn't at all what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it. I went in assuming it was going to be a light hearted Hallmark-y type romance then Hallmarks version of 'Groundhog Day'. Ultimately it wasn't either of these, turning instead into a touching if somewhat mystical romantic drama including action-movie type sequences set with fast paced music and lots of running.

I guess the closest thing I could compare it to it to is 'Sliding Doors', all about fate and destiny and what ifs -I'd turned left instead of right. Also set in London the story here follows Ian, a businessman who gets to relive the day his spirited musician girlfriend, Samantha, died in an taxi crash. The acting is well done, the story surprising and tearful.

Grief stricken Ian can't get over how awful their last day together was; he didn't tell her he loved her, they almost broke up and he definitely didn't pay attention when it mattered. Now with the help of a mystical cab driver (Tom Wilkinson) he has a chance to relive the day all over again in the hopes of changing the events that led up to her getting killed.

Jennifer Love Hewitt does a great job with her character and looks fantastic in this -very likable and fun. I also was impressed with her singing capabilities, as well as her on screen chemistry with co-star Paul Nicholls. He also does a good job especially with some of the more heartfelt scenes and there are several. I enjoyed the London setting and the scenery in general. Tom Wilkinson, in a small role is suitably creepy and very enjoyable. And wow was I surprised as hell by the ending, not at all what I was expecting. This was a surprise hit for me. 12/24/15
3 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed