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Serendipity

Starring: John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale
Director: Peter Chelsom
Genre: Comedy
Year: 2001
Rating: 3 / 5

Throughout his career, John Cusack has attempted to drift from dependable romantic comedies, but, in the end, he always returns to what he does best. The Say Anything star has dabbled in dramas and action films, including the likes of City Hall and Con Air, but viewers ultimately turn out to see Cusack play the lovable goofball who always gets the girl. Cusack is back in these familiar surroundings in Serendipity, a formulaic adventure that manages to entertain despite the excess fluff. Cusack and co-star Kate Beckinsale make for a likeable, photogenic pair, while Serendipity is just the sort of diversion the casual movie fan needs.

Jonathan (John Cusack) is out shopping for his girlfriend's Christmas gift when he bumps into Sara (Kate Beckinsale) in a department store. It seems that both consumers are after the same pair of gloves, and this chance encounter leads to a brief rendezvous later. Hours pass, and, after an enjoyable evening of laughing and ice skating, suddenly-smitten Jonathan asks for Sara's phone number. After initially refusing, Sara scribbles her digits on a scrap of paper, only to see a sudden gust of wind carry it away. Struck by this act of fate, Sara decides that she will leave their next meeting in the hands of fate, and the two would-be lovers go their separate ways.

Nearly a decade later, Jonathan is engaged to be married to a beautiful New York socialite, while Sara is seriously dating a new age musician (John Corbett). Days from his wedding, Jonathan is still unable to let go of the past. With best friend Dean (Jeremy Piven) in tow, he is determined to make one last push to find the identity of his mystery date from years prior. Before their parting, his lost love wrote her name and phone number in a used copy of an obscure book, and, ever since then, he has been scouring book stores looking for the priceless information contained within. But with their lives pulling them in many different directions, is there still time for Jonathan and Sara to rekindle their magical romance?

I am sure that the writers of Serendipity would dispute this claim, but there really is nothing in this film which we have not seen before. The two star-crossed lovers invariably miss each other by mere moments at various points in their lives, leaving the audience groaning with dismay. Nevertheless, John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale are so warm and friendly that audiences cannot help but root for their success. Cusack could probably handle the role of Jonathan in his sleep, but Beckinsale is the truly pleasant surprise. With luck, this star turn might even propel her into the upper echelon of romantic leading ladies. Whatever the case, at less than ninety minutes, Serendipity is the kind of escape that keeps us returning to movie theatres.

Cast:

Certification: Rated PG-13.
Running Time: 85 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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