Serendipity (2001)

Director: Peter Chelsom

Writer: Marc Klein (Screenplay)

Starring: John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Piven, Bridget Moynahan, Eugene Levy, Molly Shannon

Plot: Jonathan Trager (Cusack) and Sara Thomas (Beckinsale) met while shopping for gloves in New York. Though buying for their respective lovers, the magic was right and a night of Christmas shopping turned into romance. Jon wanted to explore things further but Sara wasn’t sure their love was meant to be. They decided to test fate by splitting up and seeing if destiny brought them back together. Many years later having lost each other that night, both are engaged to be married. Still, neither can shake the need to give fate one last chance to reunite them. Jon enlists the help of his best man to track down the girl he can’t forget starting at the store where they met. Sara asks her new age musician fiancé for a break before the wedding and, with her best friend in tow, flies from California to New York hoping destiny will bring her soul mate back. Near-misses and classic Shakespearean confusion bring the two close to meeting a number of times but fate will have the final word on whether it was meant to be.

Verdict: Love Destiny

Story: Do you believe in destiny, fate or any other words moments to these meanings? Well the problem with this is that it makes out that we should all give up something good right in front of us for a delusional idea of love. Taking out the idea that these too people are giving up their fiancé for a memorable night, we actually get an interesting will they won’t they meet again scenario. We have the trademark funny best friend who is the voice of reason and some easy to spot but nicely worked into almost meetings. I do feel this offers a false look at how people should see love, but it does show that within our own faith, we could end up happy. (6/10)

Actor Reviews

John Cusack: Jonathan even with his girlfriend at home he wants to see how far his couple of hours with the girl of his dreams could become. Even though he can’t he keeps the faith and always finds himself in a book store looking for the book with her number in. Even though he has moved on with his life he can never shake that night. Simple performance from Cusack, who never needs to get to any high level to show his characters motives. (6/10)

Kate Beckinsale: Sara the British lady who enjoys her night with Jon but refuses to see everything as a sign, moves on with her life but like Jon gets wedding jitters and wants to check up on the chances with her good night. Simple performance who likes Cusack just lets the simple story do the work. (6/10)

Jeremy Piven: Dean Jon’s best friend and best man who joins on the adventure to find the lost love against all his thoughts. Good supporting role and both the friends steal the show in the end. (7/10)

Molly Shannon: Eve, Sara’s best friend who joins in on the adventure but has a closer connection to Jon than believed. Good performance in the supporting role, gives the best lines and moments.(7/10)

Director Review: Peter Chelsom – Creates a simple romantic comedy without really doing anything truly original. (6/10)

Comedy: Few laughs mostly from the supporting characters and small role from Eugene Levy steals the film. (6/10)

Romance: Creates an unrealistic idea of love, but you do end up routing for them. (7/10)

Settings: New York makes a good setting for romantic comedy as the place is filled of locations people will know and can create a romantic moment in. (7/10)

Suggestion: This is one to try, it could make a good date night film and has a good feeling from what you see. (Try It)

Best Part: Eugene Levy.

Worst Part: Would two people give up their impending weddings for a short night?

Funniest Scene: Eugene Levy’s scenes

Believability: People and series of events can fall into place, but this is a bit too much. (5/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Chances of Sequel: No

Post Credits Scene: No

Oscar Chances: No

Box Office: $77,516,304

Budget: $28 Million

Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes