If Only

To everyone calling this movie 'rubbish'—you’re completely missing the point. This isn't just a movie; it’s a lesson on how to love and appreciate the people we have while they are still here. I’ve never cried at a film before, but the sacrifice and the way the story unfolded hit me deep. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking masterpiece. Don't listen to the haters, watch it for yourself."

As Jennifer Love Hewitt would say, "OMG!" Wow, this movie was so unbelievable and stupid. Unromantic, boring, terribly acted... The list goes on and on... And furthermore, she has to tack on her songwriting and singing, I swear she is trying to take on David Hasselhoff for the Cheese prize. Actually, Hasselhoff can be forgiven of some of his faults since he did do "Knight Rider". OK, maybe not fair to put them in the same category. Although I can't fault the blame totally on Love. None of the actors were convincing at all, except maybe Tom Wilkenson, although I do think slightly less of him for taking part in this horrible film. Regardless, Miz JLH can rest assured that she may add another notch to her Razzie belt.

OK, I am biased on this one. Forced by the wife into searching a romantic movie, I found this one and was glad to see it was an indie flick about some people said it was good. In my book, indie implies at least novelty. Alas, it was not to be. This movie is as full of clichés as all the other movies called If Only. I mean, not even the title is original for crying out loud! A love affair between a Brit and an American girl which has no humour, nothing really standing out (and I mean both music and acting), with a title that says it all (yet another movie about going back on a particular moment and trying to change it) And no, not even the wife liked it. Could it be that this film was produced by Hewitt because it was the only way she could be cast into a movie or allowed to sing?

This movie is an excellent example to show the effects of having the main actor and producer combined in one single person: It is egocentric and this focus on the main character which leaves no room for the rest makes it boring. JLH tries to be the sweet, cute, understanding lover and passionate strong artist at the same time. The plot seems nothing but to be constructed around this, all dialogues appear artificial, romantic is misleadingly exaggerated. In Fact - it's more like an extended music video than a movie. Yes, JLH has got a beautiful voice - but that's it: Nothing more! And that's not enough for a feature-length movie...

I had the pleasure of seeing a screening of this movie in Orange County quite a while ago. I also stayed behind and had a focus group for the filmmakers and everyone in the group loved it. as well as me. the movie screams romance and drama with some well written comedy too. the acting was way above par for all the actors. Being a Jennifer Love Hewitt fan i'm a little biased. i know her movies in the passed haven't been what she's capable of but her performance in "If Only" is a huge step for her. one of the best acted films in a great while. don't be deterred because you don't like someone in it just give it a chance and you'll walk out happy you did. the movies untimely release has been due to budget and that fact that it's an independent film. studios don't like to take too many chances any more they just want all the big ones.