On-screen chemistry adds
to movie's appeal
 By
Julie Glaser
Staff Writer
The trailer for the movie "Serendipity"
states that when love feels like magic, you call it destiny; when destiny
has a sense of humor, you call it serendipity.
Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale)
meet by chance when they both set their sights on the same pair of black
cashmere gloves while Christmas shopping at Bloomingdale’s in New
York City. After sharing a moment, they end up spending a magical evening
together, which includes hot chocolate at a cozy café called
Serendipity.
Both are smitten, but both are also involved in
other relationships at the time, so Jon asks Sara for her phone number
"in case of life."
Sara, a firm believer in destiny, decides to leave
their next meeting up to fate.
She writes her name and phone number inside the
cover of a book, which she sells to a used bookstore the next morning.
He writes his number on the back of a $5 bill, which she spends at a
nearby newsstand. If the phone numbers find their way back, then it
means the two are meant to be together.
Years later, thousands of miles apart, and two
engagements under way, and still Jonathan cannot pass a used bookstore
without stopping. Likewise, Sara checks the back of every $5 bill.
The realization that both are about to commit the
rest of their lives to other people causes both Jon and Sara to go on
a frantic search for each other to finally see what might have been.
The film has notable performances from Molly Shannon,
who plays Eve, Sara’s wacky best friend, and Jeremy Piven, who
plays Dean, Jon’s charming and amusing obituary-writing buddy.
Piven and Cusack’s real-life friendship shines
through onto the screen. Eugene Levy’s character, an anal Bloomingdale’s
employee who reluctantly aids in Jon’s search for Sara, is also
a highlight.
Despite being a typical, sappy romantic comedy,
the give-all performances of Cusack and Beckinsale make this film worthwhile.
The on-screen chemistry between the two is blatantly obvious.
The classic, beautiful and airy setting of Manhattan
at Christmas adds to the film's enchanting effect, and is also just
a nice thing to see during such a sad time for New York.
The landmarks of the city featured in the film
such as Central Park and the Waldorf-Astoria hotel are perfect choices
to help add to the romantic setting.
The World Trade Center Towers have been noticeably
erased from the city's skyline, however.
The love story is far less than realistic, but
perhaps it's the fantasy element that makes this film so appealing.
All together, this shamelessly sappy and sentimental film still works
and has you leaving the theater with a smile on your face.
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