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SERENDIPITY |
2001 |
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A young, perfectly (and obviously) compatible couple "meet cute" in a more carefree, pre-disaster New York, spend a memorable night together, and then, in spite of an obvious attraction to one another, part company for 6 years, trusting that faith and fate will eventually bring them together..."if it was meant to be." If you can buy this absurd plot, then, maybe you'll enjoy this lightweight, thoroughly predictable film. Preston Sturges used to make this kind of romantic comedy back in the '40's, but those were so much better because they were sophisticated and unpredictable. Is there anything good about "Serendipity?" Yes, several things: (1) the excellent performances by the always-fine John Cusack and his real-life best friend Jeremy Piven, Kate Beckinsale (this year's English actress flavor-of-the-month,) Molly Shannon, and the wonderful Eugene Levy, (2) some clever, occasionally funny dialogue, and for me, (3) a chance to re-visit one of my favorite New York haunts of decades ago, the East Side dessert shop 'Serendipity." I loved this place, and I still drink my cranberry juice at breakfast, out of a glass that I "borrowed" from the shop 30 years ago! In any case, the film is good for a few (very few!) good laughs, and some very pretty New York scenery. But, let's hope that this is the end of movies with this worn-out plot. |
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3 Stars |
NJB |
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Lighthearted and sweet, this film proves that even if you are a stubborn idiot, destiny will put you and your soulmate together in the end. John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale accidentally meet and spend one magical night together. They are then split apart for years and finally begin to seek each other out when fate begins to send them clue after clue that they are meant for each other. At a time when romantic comedies seem to be reaching to go in new and different directions (YOU'VE GOT MAIL, HAPPY ACCIDENTS), SERENDIPITY is actually a nice, traditional romance. Cusack is his charming self and Beckinsale makes a strong bid at becoming my new favorite female actress (how YOU doin'?), even if her character is annoying. Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon add some fun as the helpful best friends. Destined to be the date movie of the Fall. |
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4 Stars |
CDF |