Can once-in-a-lifetime happen twice?
Serendipity n. an aptitude for making fortunate discoveries accidentally.
It's Christmas-time in the city, and amidst the mad holiday rush, the paths of two strangers collide as they fall victim to a mutual, all-consuming attraction. Despite that each is involved in another relationship, Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) bide their time to stay connected by wandering through Manhattan and talking until the wee hours, while never mentioning each other's names. But, when the night reaches its inevitable end, the two are forced to determine the next step. When the smitten Jonathan suggests an exchange of phone numbers Sara has a different idea in mind that will allow fate to take control of the future. If they are meant to be together, she convinces him, the universe will reveal its tell-tale signs. At least that's the plan.
Special Agent Matti
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Just like that contrived word, Serendipity is a contrived film. You can't spend two years and millions of dollars making a movie and then expect the audience to be amazed at the number of coincidences that happen serendipitously.
Once: it's an accident. Twice: it's coincidence. Thrice: it's a conspiracy.
I stopped counting "accidents" at 47.
Still, if you're able to turn your brain off and accept that the universe is constantly sending you signs to reveal your true love then you'll find that Serendipity is a lovely film about two people who are destined to be together.
If you're not able to do that, you'll find proof that Hollywood is a bunch of hacks rehashing the same 12 stories into a hundred films too many.
PG (Sexual references, low level coarse language)
87 minutes (1:27 hours)
Film: 17 January 2002
DVD rental: 26 June 2002
VHS rental: 26 June 2002
DVD retail: 13 November 2002
VHS retail: 13 November 2002