Review of Happy Accidents (2000) by Bill C — 18 Oct 2011

Ruby (Marisa Tomei) is a 30 something New Yorker who is having trouble finding the right man. She has had countless boyfriends but no "Mr. Right". One afternoon she meets Sam (Vincent D'Onofrio), a nice, genuine man.

They instantly have a connection as Ruby finds Sam's quirkiness to be endearing. Everything is going great until Sam explains to Ruby that he is a a time traveler from the year 2,470. Is he completely insane? or is this story true? That is what makes Happy Endings such a fun, unique romantic comedy.

The film is partially narrated by Ruby, as the structure jumps between Ruby and Sam's relationship and Ruby discussing Sam with her therapist. The casting is pretty much perfect as Marisa Tomei is ideal to play this fragile yet rather spunky Ruby who has been hurt in the past.

As far as Vincent D'Onofrio goes, who else could play this odd yet endearing character of Sam. The film really does a good job of keeping the viewer intrigued as to whether Sam is just insane or is actually telling the truth.

I found myself going back and forth, not sure what the outcome would be. This is the type of Romantic Comedy that needs to be more frequent these days. It's completely original, compelling and the quirkiness actually fits into the story unlike some other Rom-Com's where it feels so forced.