A Miramax Films Release, Part 2: Serendipity

Ever fallen in love? Well, thanks to almost every Hollywood romance, i'm fairly certain you've fallen for the idea of love - and why not? With the perfect display of swoon-worthy affection on-screen, it makes the whole thing seem effortless, finding your soul mate with a mere single attraction. That's not reality. But alas; this is a fictional romance. It's not meant to be fleshed out with incoherent, and frankly boring, facts that we have to deal with in our everyday relationships. Serendipity falls with the former. Predictably sappy, but that's what we love.

Our story starts in New York City. Bloomingdales, one of the busiest shops on a mere three days before Christmas, yet Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) unexpectedly meet. Despite their instant attraction, they part one another leaving their relationship entirely up to fate.

Seven years later and they're both engaged, but can't seem to shake off the idea of one another and their one magical night they spent together. Vowing to meet again, they both head out on a search to hopefully find each other - despite time, distance and the obstacles conspiring against them.

It's an incontrovertible fact that Cusack and Beckinsale fit - so much in fact that i wish to combine their names Branjelina-style. The sparks projecting off of them during the opening scenes are instantly noticeable, making for a sincerely sweet 'meet' of our main characters and sets the tone for the rest of the film. Beckinsale performs elegantly, while Cusack allures greatly, performing idealistically together. They are the infinite, destined Hollywood couple that we all wish to be, almost forcing us to quiver at the knees with their cheesy, but doubtlessly effective, dialogue. Romances such as this advertently fuel the minds of those who are swayed over easily.

Providing the comedic elements which lighten up the whole Holmes-like adventure are co-stars Eugene Levy, Molly Shannon and Jeremy Piven. Supplying structure to the main duo, the quirkiness of Shannon stands out primarily, bumbling and giggling her way through her short but increasingly enjoyable lines.

The plot is a cut above the rest of its genre, displaying - what could be - a perfectly relevant, and somewhat realistic, relationship between people. That, however, is shot down during moments in the film when 'fate' has its time, calculating in a series of scenes bordering on pure fantasy. Still, despite the obvious flaws, the film is guaranteed to entertain, leaving you with a gargantuan smile.

The quaint characters and heartwarming story all combine for a worthwhile romance, with the final few scenes standing as a culmination of their efforts of finding each other, ending, unsurprisingly, on the highest of notes situated on one of New York's most beautiful land sights.

3.5/5

Look out for A Miramax Films Release, Part 3 coming soon!