‘Serendipity’

Coincidence and comedy combine to make magic in this romantic romp.   [PG-13]

By: Kam Williams
   Magical realism, a writing style originating in the 1920s, is characterized by an intertwining of ordinary events with dream-like flights of fancy. This experimental genre, popularized by Latin American novelists, often violates our traditional expectations of the narrative form via an effective fusion of fantasy and realism.

"Kate
Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack star in the romantic comedy Serendipity.

   Colombian-born Gabriel Garcia Marquez, perhaps the most celebrated of the magical realists, is the author of Love in the Time of Cholera, an extraordinarily absorbing tale about an undying passion that waits 50 years for its fulfillment. The Nobel Prize-winner’s well-crafted, contemporary classic, which has sold over one million copies since its publication in 1988, undoubtedly supplied much of the inspiration for Serendipity, a romantic fairy tale starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale.
   Most of the previous attempts to adapt magical realism to the silver screen have, quite frankly, fallen flat. British director Peter Chelsom’s effort here might warrant Oscar consideration for this lyrical love story which asks, "How long should you wait before you take destiny into your own hands?" Its elliptical, engaging screenplay by Marc Klein finds its fire in the all-consuming passion that will either save or destroy its protagonists.
   The 10-year saga, set in New York City, opens in 1990 during the crush of the holiday rush at Bloomingdale’s. This refreshingly upbeat, escapist romp couldn’t have come along at a better time for the city and a country still reeling from disaster. Wrestling over the last pair of gloves on a rack, strangers Jonathan Trager (Cusack) and Sara Thomas (Beckinsale) lock eyes and discover love at first sight.
   The pair takes a break from the last-minute shopping spree to discuss their mutual attraction over a quick cup of tea at the closest coffee shop, Serendipity (an actual ice cream parlor located on East 60th Street in Manhattan). The word ‘serendipity’ is synonymous with the accidental discovery of something not looked for. This coincidence is not lost on the mutual admirers who must decide whether to indulge a mad impulse or to return to their respective lives and lovers.
   Sara suggests that if they are intended to be together, fate will ultimately reunite them anyway. She has Jonathan write his name and phone number on a $5 bill while she inscribes hers inside of a hard-cover copy of Love in the Time of Cholera. His bill is to be spent immediately while her book is to be sold to a used bookstore. The idea being that, if they are truly meant to be together, the items will inevitably find their way into each other’s hands.
   Thus begins an unending string of coincidences wonderfully woven into a surrealistic decade-long dream. The movie manages somehow to be cleverly sentimental, though not sappy. Cusack and Beckinsale deliver career performances as the incurable romantics, who hope that their "once in a lifetime" love happens twice. Jeremy Piven and Eugene Levy make major contributions in their supporting roles.
   The film also benefits from a sophisticated soundtrack including music by Louis Armstrong and Hall & Oates. Its stellar, skyline cinematography features the Chrysler Building, the Waldorf-Astoria and many a New York landmark.
   All in all, a delight not to be left to chance.
Rated PG-13. Contains adult situations and brief profanity.