Si seulement...

I was fortunate enough to view this film during the Sarasota Film Festival with the Director (Junger) and the star (Hewitt) in attendance. Though I truly wish this film could have been shot in the U.S., the Euro setting of the film helped to add to the overall storyline wonderfully. I recommend this film due to the well crafted story and thought provoking experiences it presents. A young couple is in their final days together before (Hewitt) is to return to the U.S., or so it seems. This film plays with the thought we have all had at one time or another, "If only I could have that moment over again". I would advise anyone to see this film, "If Only" it could find the right deal to be released, PLEASE! Bravo Jennifer and Gil, a tremendous film adventure.

This movie has some seriously cheesy cringe-worthy moments. In particular, the concert performance made me want to gag, though JLH herself was impressive... it was just a ridiculous scene added to the story to highlight JLH's musical talent... and it put this movie into Soap Opera category! (As in US soap, not UK soap... I don't think you'd see Paul Nichols performing in a concert hall on EastEnders as Joe Wicks, would you?) It is a nice cute movie though, and I admit it made me cry some tears at the end. The acting was very good, I thought. The one thing I can't believe nobody is commenting on, though, was the total rip-off of the German movie "Run Lola Run"! Well, maybe it was an homage to that brilliant movie. They even practically copied the RLR soundtrack in the scene when Ian was running to Lotte's flat! I do like such movies like this where people get a second chance to change things, so though it can't touch Run Lola Run, it's definitely a nice TV movie to watch and think about.

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Paul Nicholls are having a hectic day in London. He's got a big presentation at work, and she's playing in her music school's graduation concert. At the end, she breaks up with him, gets into a cab, and is killed. The next morning, Nicholls wakes up with Miss Hewitt next to him. The same things keep happening, but the details are different. Can he keep her both alive and in love with him?

About two minutes into it, I thought this was pretty much a Hallmark Channel movie with a theatrical release budget, and began hoping it would be better than that. It definitely was. The fantastic elements led to character revelation, and the location shooting was a big plus, particularly a sequence shot in rocky Cumbria. It remains the sort of love story that is so soppy I can't really enjoy it, but it is very well done, with a very welcome small but key role by Tom Wilkinson.

Well heres the deal. As an actor myself I like to think that I know what I am looking for in a good film. I think this is one to see.

Samantha (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is in love with her boyfriend, unfortunately he doesn't pay any attention to her. She is living in London attending school there to be with him. She is a music student and aspiring singer/songwriter. Ian (Paul Nicholls) is wrapped up in his job and is taking her "for Granted". A twist of fate occurs and makes him realize what he has.

Honestly, this is the one of the first times Jennifer Love Hewitt has made an impact on a film. She stands out as a true actor in this production. She also Produced this film, which makes her a force to reckon with in Hollywood. She also lends her vocals to the soundtrack which is worth it. The two songs she performs in the film are wonderful.

English actor Paul Nicholls is a wonderful addition to this cast. He is a breath of fresh air for our films, considering American cinema is plagued by the likes of Nick Cannon and Paul Walker types. Nicholls offers Americans a look at our future Hugh Grant. His performance is considerably good, playing both the "horrible boyfriend" and the "loving boyfriend" within the same film. He never makes you think twice about his integrity or especially his acting.

I recommend this film to anyone who is a Jennifer Love Hewitt fan, or to anyone who is a romantic at heart. This one will get ya'. Director Gil Junger, did a wonderful job and Writer Christina Welsh succeeded as a first time screenwriter. I look forward to any projects they take on in the future.

I also hope that an American company picks this film up for distribution soon.

Luckily, I was able to see this as my final film of 2004. Not being a fan of JLH, I was very impressed with her role here in 'If Only'. Others have described the plot, so I won't go into that. But from top to bottom, this film won me over.

The writing, acting and directing were all top notch. It was a wonderful film, very moving and touching. Hard for me to believe that anyone would dislike this film. With the movie business being what it is, it's doubtful this film will ever be released in the US, so go out any find the Russian DVD, the only release available as of this date.

Voted 9/10.