Review of Serendipity (2001) by Sam M — 04 Mar 2015

Many romantic comedies take place in a world that is just as magical as a fantasy or sci-fi movie. Never has that been more evident than in the movie Serendipity. In this film boy and girl meet right in the opening scene, but they are both already in relationships. So the superstitious girl decides to leave it up to fate to decide if they should actually be together. It's a lovely film that shows 2 people who realize that the hands of fate aren't reliable enough to give them what their hearts desire, not realizing that destiny has a plan they could never understand. John Cusack is at the top of his game when playing the determined Jonathan who follows his heart, and continues to have it broken. I actually find myself going on the emotional ride with him and feel just as emotional when things don't go his way. Kate Beckinsale is so charming as Sara, and somehow she makes the insane ideas she proposes early in the film make sense, to the point where I could see a real man falling for it all. Later on her passion rivals that of Cusack and adds more heart to the journey. Then they add in a few great comedic sidekicks just to keep the comedy rolling throughout, so things don't become too sappy. Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon add a lot of good laughs but also connect to the emotional turmoil that their friends are going through. And of course you can't go wrong with a little Eugene Levy.

I just love these kind of movies where it seems like the 2 people (who we all know will end up together at the end) keep missing each other by moments. The number of close calls and tiny acts of fate are presented in such a great way that you actually find yourself saying "oh, if only he would turn around right now and look at what is happening just down the street." It gives a great build to the story and adds extra power to the final scenes. The only thing I don't particularly love about Serendipity is how the pair drag their feet when it comes to talking to their fiances. It feels somewhat manipulative and cruel the way they lead on these people. I also don't like the characterization of Lars (Sara's fiance) because he seems like too much of a classic Hollywood schmuck. Halley (Jonathan's fiance) is a lovely girl played by Bridget Moynahan, so you can understand how he is conflicted in his journey to reunite with Sara, but Lars just seems like a dork who Sara should leave even if Jonathan wasn't in the picture. But these are minor complaints, as I think Serendipity is one of the better rom-coms of the 2000s. Every time I start the movie I find myself hooked in and I have to watch until the end. If you like this style of movie, and fate brought you to this review, then I think it's your destiny to watch Serendipity.