Review of It Could Happen to You (1994) by Alvin Y — 13 Jul 2010

Here we have a very flawed attempt at a "neo-Capra" movie. Like most Capra films, this features a heartwarming story with good morals and a happy ending. Our protagonist, played by Nicolas Cage, is a goody two shoes cop with a heart of gold.

Evidently the Capra connection was intentional, because Cage plays him like Jimmy Stewart - the same inflection and everything! Perhaps these connections are why the movie ultimately fails. The problem is that Bergman tries too hard, and overdoes everything.

Nicolas Cage's cop character (named Charlie Lang) is TOO clean, too perfect. Likewise the antagonist, his wife (played by Rosie Perez) is too annoying. In fact, my biggest qualm with the film is that Rosie Perez gives one of the most grating performances I've ever witnessed.

I know we're not supposed to like her, but did Bergman really have to make every second of her screen time a living hell? The normally reliable Cage also comes across as weak here because the script doesn't give him a chance to shine.

His character is so perfect that he's boring, so all you can really do is appreciate his spot on Jimmy Stewart impression. Even Capra's protagonists were flawed - after all, It's A Wonderful Life opens with George Bailey attempting to commit suicide! As the waitress and love interest, Yvonne Biasi, Bridget Fonda fares better.

Her character is easier to relate to, thanks to her emotional ups-and-downs and bouts of sarcasm. Sadly as the film she too loses much of her character. Isaac Hayes, meanwhile, isn't given much to do as the narrator/undercover reporter named Angel Dupree (or as I like to call him, Deus ex Machina).

It Could Happen To You ultimately succeeds at maintaining your interest and warming your heart, but you'll still find yourself continually rolling your eyes.