‘IT HAD TO BE YOU’: HEARTWARMING SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
One of the obscure romantic comedies from twenty-five years ago, It Had to be You isn’t unique, but it is a heartwarming story sure to leave most people with a wide smile.
It Had to be You (2000) Film Review
Planning his wedding to fiancée Claire solo isn’t exactly what Charlie Hudson (Michael Vartan) has in mind. Yet as he checks into the Plaza hotel, this is precisely what Charlie must do. She makes no time to plan and is instead travelling abroad to work on a book she’s editing. He makes the best of the trip by visiting an old friend and reminiscing about his days working with his former NYPD partner Henry (Michael Rispoli).
The one unexpected thing about his trip is meeting Anna (Natasha Henstridge). Smart and full of needless facts, Anna is unlike anyone he’s met. She too is planning her wedding and is working solo, which inspires this pair to relate to each other and strike up a friendship while they plan their respective weddings.
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‘IT HAD TO BE YOU’: HEARTWARMING SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE. #MichaelVartan (from Alias!) stars in this 2000 dramady! Have you seen this “hidden gem” #romance? Share on X
This film falls into many of the trappings and tropes of its filmmaking era, which means there are lots of people now who detest this type of film. Being contrary to that, I think it’s cute. I see It Had to be You for what it is; a cute romantic dramedy that shows human error yes, but also delightfully allows its characters to make wise choices. Though many films today are considered “evolved” compared to this, in all honestly, films today don’t always allow for failings to translate into change and to show characters making smart choices. Today’s film is more about failure and everyone accepting this rather than failure and learning from that.
There is some depth in this script through the conversations we see between all of the characters and lots of comedy with Henry and Tracey. Plus, the fact characteristic is quirky and endearing. The timeline and “moving on” element in the story is also wise. The cast is really good and while it’s only two scenes, if you’re a TV fanatic, you’ll also recognize a young Joelle Carter prior to her role as Ava on Justified.
If you don’t mind some failings and can see the good instead of just its mistakes, then It Had to be You is a lovely way to spend a night in.
Stream, at publication, on Prime Video, Tubi; or digitally purchase or rent on Prime Video
Photo: Alamy
Content: there isn’t a lot to mention. We do see an implied sex scene when a woman asks a man to “make love” to her; she unzips and removes her dress and straddles him (they make out) before the scene cuts away (he’s in bed; she’s dressing). There is a minor innuendo or two (a woman remarks something is better than sex; another comment is a joke about making love) and there may be minor profanity or two. The film is PG.
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