Serendipity: A Whimsical Second Chance New York Romance
Romances produced in the 90s and early 2000s were not an era I frequented at their popularity. For this reason, there is a host of catalog titles that I have been able to play “catch up” with. Serendipity, a romantic dramedy, is one such film that falls into that box.
Serendipity Film Review
Taking place on opposite ends of the coasts with a heck of a lot of missed chances in-between, Serendipity is, at its heart, a romance. It follows Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale) and Jonathan Trager (John Cusack) who spend one magical night together. The pair meets by happenstance in NYC days before Christmas. They spend the night walking the snow-covered streets of New York. As they talk and discover corners of the city together, an undeniable connection forms. Still, Sara hesitates. She believes if they were meant to be, fate would align.
Seven years later, the two are living very different lives miles and miles apart, but still, memories linger of that one night.
Despite having seen British actress Kate Beckinsale in many productions (including her role playing Emma Woodhouse in A&E’s Emma), this popular comedy was a role I’d avoided. Unlike some of its peers, there is something different about Serendipity. Perhaps it’s the atypical casting or perchance it has to do with the separation of the would-be lovers.
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Serendipity: A Whimsical Second Chance New York Romance. #MovieReview #MovieReviews #Reviews #KateBeckinsale Share on XRomantic films that separate their leading couple are difficult. No matter how much I enjoy the concept, usually I just want to see the adorableness on screen, together. Fortunately, the writers do give us some when they allow Sara and John to have an extended night together (which takes up a decent chunk of time) that helps set the tone for the eventual ending.
Apart from Kate Beckinsale, period drama fans will enjoy seeing Jeremy Piven (Mr. Selfridge) in a supporting role, and those who watch CBS’ Blue Bloods will recognize Bridget Moynahan. What most surprises me about this cast is how well everyone seems to suit each other. Kate and John have a nice easy-going chemistry that sparks with magic and is captivating. With exception to Kate’s friend, everyone has a well-rounded entertaining role to play in the story. All of this serves to bring the plot full circle.
If you like romances that ditch normalcy, then you simply must see this. It’s a vintage soul of a film that isn’t often seen in today’s cinema. Even with the praise, I can’t say it will be a personal favorite, but it was a favorite of my cousin and for this reason, I have a soft spot for Serendipity, and I understand the old-fashioned sway the story has. If romance is what you’re seeking, this film has it in spades. It’s whimsical and outright 100% darling. All of this combined spins one magical tale that’s sure to make you smile.
You can rent Serendipity on Amazon Video or buy the DVD for a nominal cost.
Have you seen Serendipity? Did you like or dislike it? What are some of your favorite “vintage” romantic-comedies? Comment down below with your thoughts!
Content Note: There is one suggestive scene involving a couple in a state of undress (non-graphic), and some commonplace profanity. The film is rated PG-13.
Aw, this is one of my favorites! When we visited New York City this summer I made my husband take me to Serendipity 3 for frozen hot chocolate (which was amazing). He didn't get why we had to go there, but it was definitely a bucket list item for me!
That's OK, so long as YOU understood its importance and he was willing to go with you, that's what matters. You understood. :)
I suspect this one is one that will grow on me with every viewing. I mean I loved it the first time through, but I've zero doubt that will improve the more I see it. :)
Ah, I'm so glad you watched this! If I had known you hadn't seen it, I would have insisted you watch it sooner ;)
It's an favorite from this era, and definitely has plenty of romance and fun moments. It's special to me because my dad and I used to watch it together on occasion and cracked up at the humor in it. *especially* the don't-come-behind-the-counter scene.
Also, I visited Serendipity 3 and had a frozen hot chocolate when my sister lived in NYC — it was such a treat! It was before I watched the movie, though.
I wish you had, Courtney. So often I need those nudges. :) *whispers* I also only just watched Kate & Leopold (like I finished it last night). So yeah, clearly I was missing out.
That scene in the department store? It's hilarious! I 100% agree. I love that this one has an old-fashioned appeal which is so rare in most cinema pursuits. Plus it's always fun to see Austen alum, Kate Beckinsale in something else.
How fun! Frozen hot chocolate sounds wonderful. And how cool you visited NYC. Though I have no illusions it'd be a place I'd like to live, I think I'd like to (someday) visit. :)
I believe I've only seen parts of this one. It's a cute idea, but I'm sure if it was real life, I'd hate it! haha I mean, I guess I believe in "things happening for a reason" sometimes but to leave this type of thing up to fate? It's not likely they'd end up together! haha
-lauren
I agree, Lauren. Sometimes I get a little annoyed by all of the "near misses" in romantic comedies (when the couple can't ever seem to cheat fate and MEET!), but in this case, I have a soft spot in my heart for this one. Maybe it's because it was my cousin's favorite flick or because I like Kate Beckinsale (she's a frequent Jane Austen adaptation leading lady). Either way, it's a cute idea indeed. :)
Thanks for visiting!
Oh, Serendipity! This was one of my favorite movies, though I haven't seen it in a few years. I used to have a little crush on John Cusack, so I watched his movies, including this one, multiple times :) Maybe it's time for a rewatch!
YES! You should enjoy a rewatch, Lindsey. I suspect I'll love this one all the more each time I watch it. It's one of the cutest premises and the actor are well suited, which is a MUST in romcoms. :) Thanks for visiting – glad to know this is one of your favorites.
Ah, I love this movie! I'm with Courtney, if I'd known you hadn't seen it until now, I'd've encouraged you much sooner. So much hilarity in this! Although I totally understand your hesitation when the main couple spends most of the movie separated. I was wary of this movie for that reason as well, but the adorableness soon won me over. :)
I cannot believe I'd not seen this one either, Kara. It was my cousin's favorite film, so I think I always had a "soft spot" for it even though I'd never seen it just because it reminded me of her.
I think in the end, the concept worked fine. I mean I wish we'd gotten more screen time for the two of them (I always experience "movie frustration" with all the near meetings), but the end is so sweet and swoony, all was forgiven.
So glad I *finally* saw this one! There's probably something else I haven't seen that you and Courtney need to encourage me to watch. We'll simply have to figure out what. :)