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Predictable but loveable ruminations on fate
by Ed Malinowski
A Kinnopio film writer
Serendipity is a "chick flick" with such a good premise that even guys may like it. But gender aside, enjoyment of this movie depends on how much the viewer likes being teased, and like countless romantic comedies before it, Serendipity reeks of predictability. It's a movie that's likely to be forgiven, though, because of all of the convincing performances within: The characters are very likable and believable; there's excellent chemistry among the cast; and all of the actors are having fun in a way that will leave the viewer feeling good after the movie is done.
The plot is driven by another familiar pair of ingredients in romantic comedies -- fate and destiny. Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale, Pearl Harbor) is a strong believer in the two, and Jonathan Trager (John Cusack, American Sweethearts) is a closet hopeless romantic. The two strangers meet over a pair of gloves at Bloomingdale's in New York City during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shopping season. They're supposed to be shopping for their significant others, but soon their warmhearted run-in turns into a magical night together. When Jonathan wants to go out with her again, Sara insists that they leave it to fate -- he'll write his name and phone number on a five-dollar bill, and Sara will write hers inside a book. Both items are then sent out into the world, and if it is their fate to be together, then they'll find the items someday.
The idea of some mysterious force such as fate bringing to "soulmates" together makes for a pretty entertaining movie. It becomes increasingly frustrating, though, when the two main characters, in desperate search of one another, miss crossing paths by minutes. But with a title like Serendipity, the viewer should assume that close calls and fate's cruel tricks will play a large role in what goes on.
The comedic performances of the supporting "sidekick" characters, played by Jeremy Piven (Very Bad Things) and Molly Shannon (Superstar) are what make sitting through this movie bearable. Piven and Cusack are real-life friends -- which translates extremely well onto the big screen -- and Molly Shannon delights with a less gestural, less emphatic approach to comedy. (Which is to say, as far as Shannon is concerned, she doesn't play a loud and obnoxious character, but rather relies on a classy sense of humor and perfect comedic timing.) Also, Eugene Levy (American Pie 2) provides a small dose of comedic relief as a Bloomingdale's salesman, but his character becomes tired and bothersome as the film rolls on.
Credit cinematographer John de Borman with doing a superb job of creating the proper atmosphere of New York City during the Christmas season. Some shots have a magical feel to them, and others deliver the chaos of the city that never sleeps. Also, the use of snow and perfect lighting make the scenes between Jon and Sara even more beautiful and enchanting, while the overhead time-lapse shots make fate seem very conceivable in such a complicated world.
In interviews, Jeremy Piven described Serendipity as "a love letter to New York," and it's a description that fits. It will probably be compared to Sleepless in Seatlle by many critics because of it obvious parallels, but such a distinction belittles a perfectly good movie like Serendipity. This is one movie that deserves to be destined for success.
Ed Malinowski, 2001
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