Serendipity Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Can Once In A Lifetime Happen Twice?
Destiny With A Sense Of Humor.
Sometimes True Love Can Have More Than One Face
No name. No address. Just fate.
When Love Feels Like Magic, It's called Destiny. When Destiny Has A Sense of Humor, It's Called Serendipity.
The love of your life could be in line for popcorn.....
Jonathan Trager and Sara Thomas met while shopping for gloves in New York. Though buying for their respective lovers, the magic was right and a night of Christmas shopping turned into romance. Jon wanted to explore things further but Sara wasn't sure their love was meant to be. They decided to test fate by splitting up and seeing if destiny brought them back together... Many years later, having lost each other that night, both are engaged to be married. Still, neither can shake the need to give fate one last chance to reunite them. Jon enlists the help of his best man to track down the girl he can't forget starting at the store where they met. Sara asks her new age musician fiance for a break before the wedding and, with her best friend in tow, flies from California to New York hoping destiny will bring her soulmate back. Near-misses and classic Shakespearean confusion bring the two close to meeting a number of times but fate will have the final word on whether it was meant to be.
| John Cusack | Jonathan Trager |
| Kate Beckinsale | Sara Thomas |
| Lilli Lavine | Bloomingdale's Stock Girl |
| Abdul Alshawish | Customer at Bloomingdale's |
| Ann Talman | Bloomingdale's Saleswoman #1 |
| Crystal Bock | Bloomingdale's Saleswoman #2 |
| Stephen Bruce | Host at Serendipity |
| David Sparrow | Josh's Dad |
| Gary Gerbrandt | Josh |
| Jeremy Piven | Dean Kansky |
| Bridget Moynahan | Halley Buchanan |
| Kate Blumberg | Courtney Kansky |
| Ron Payne | Louis Trager |
| Marcia Bennett | Mrs. Louis Trager |
| Peter Chelsom |
6.60 out of 10 (24830 votes)
Visitor Reviews
John Cusack,
posted on 20 Aug 2009For those of you who were wondering, John Cusack can play non-neurotic, not-so-lovable characters. However, why would we want him to? Serendipity was an enjoyable movie showcasing Cusack's talent for playing the same character he's played since Better off Dead. Jeremy Piven, Cusack's best friend since age 9, give a supurb performance as, you guessed it, Cusack's best friend. The weakest part of this movie was by far the plot. This was the single most contrived plot EVER, but somehow it left the audience praying that this is the scene where they finally meet each other again. Scenes are left unexplained, characters' relationships are random and chaotic (ie. Did Eve and Halley get it on in college?) yet the movie itself is enjoyable as hell.But don't take my word for it.
Needs more haha, less awwwww
posted on 10 Aug 2009This film would be alright if they cut the romance out and left the comedy, though perhaps only half an hour long. As it is it's a movie about two people who fall in love because... er? she's as beautiful as Cassiopeia, and he doesn't play the citar? And then split up because... if they're meant to be together, the forces of Serendipity will bring them back together? I feel ill. Well, I guess that'll teach me to watch a DVD just cause its got Kate Beckinsale in it. Give me more devil children, gloves for transexuals and snow-kicking, which were very funny, or at least a more identifiable story.
She is out there...
posted on 04 Aug 2009Realists approach the Search for Love the same way they see the Search for a Job -- they put together a list of qualifications, find someone who matches an acceptable percentage of those qualifications, then go on with life. If the Love/Job becomes unacceptable, or a better opportunity comes along, they will move on (provided the costs of moving are exceeded by the potential rewards).Romantics know that love cannot be "found". The best we can do is remain open to the possibility, so love can find us. If that happens, we have been given the gift of Serendipity. It is our responsibility to recognize love and make the commitment that will allow it to grow. Since this process involves two individuals with different wants, needs, hopes, and dreams... well, love falls apart at least as often as it succeeds. Sadly, after a few painful experiences, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay "open" to love.I was closed.I saw "Serendipity". The film was a reminder that Love can happen.I am open again!
A Beautiful Love Story With a Very Charming Couple
posted on 25 Jul 2009Jonathan Tragger (John Cusack) meets Sara Thomas (the gorgeous Kate Beckinsale) by chance in the Christmas eve, in Bloomingdale's, both trying to buy the unique pair of black gloves available for sale. They decide to go to the cafeteria Serendipity and Jonathan asks for her name and phone. Sara decides to write it in a book, and his on a five dollars bill. She gives the bill to a newspaperman and she says that she would sell the book in a New York used books store. She states that if destiny wants them two together, Jonathan will get that book back. Or she will receive that bill again. From this day on, Jonathan will 'chase' Sara's book trying to reach his lost love.I did not know the word 'serendipity'. In accordance with Webster' dictionary, it means 'an apparent aptitude for making accidental fortunate discoveries'. The character of Sara believes on it, but regrets for her belief in the end of the story. This is the typical predictable and commercial film, but supported by a very charming actress (Kate Beckinsale) and actor (John Cusack). I am a suspicious viewer to make any comment in this regard, since I love Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack. But I really believe there is no way that any viewer dislikes this movie. The cover of the DVD is also very beautiful. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "Escrito ans Estrelas" ("Written in the Stars")
A sweet, light-hearted romantic comedy that is highly recommended.
posted on 21 Jul 2009Jonathan Trager and Sara Thomas first met whilst shopping in New York. They both grabbed the same pair gloves, which was the last black pair left in the store and they basically felt a spark between them right there. Both of them were in relationships, but because of this magical spark, they decided to go out for a little bit that evening, by going for an ice-cream at a little cafe called, Serendipity and going ice-skating. When they have to part, Jonathan wants to take things further by getting Sara's phone number and getting in contact with her again, but Sara isn't sure if this the right thing to do, as she believes in fate and thinks that if they're really meant for each-other, then they will be. A deal was made, Jonathan would write his phone number on a dollar bill and Sara would write her phone number in a book and sell it to a used book store. If they're both meant to be together, then Jonathan would find the book and Sara would find the dollar bill. This is where they leave each-other and go there separate ways. Many years later though, after still not seeing each-other, both are engaged to be married. They still can't stop thinking of each-other and go on there own little adventure with each of there best friends in search of one another and to see if they are really meant to be together.The cast in the movie, including, John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, (Who both make a great pair here.), Molly Shannon, Jeremy Piven and the brilliant Eugene Levy who is really funny here, are all great in the movie.*** Spoiler*** Serendipity is a lovely light-hearted comedy which will be enjoyed by everyone, especially if you're into romantic comedies. The good thing with the movie is, it's not that predictable like many other movies out there. Okay, fine we all know that at the end of the movie, Sara and Jonathan will get together, but the way they do is quite different then you may expect. The movie has loads of little twists and turns all the way, which makes the movie good and it keeps you interested almost all the way through. *** Spoiler*** I give Serendipity a 10/10. This movie is highly recommended.
surprisingly good
posted on 11 Jun 2009Well written and thoughtful, this movie moves beyond the expected romantic comedy formula. John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Piven and of course Molly Shannon are perfectly cast. Definitely worth the investment of time and money particularly given what is currently in release.
A fun romance
posted on 03 Jun 2009a perfect date movie. There are some plot-holes however. I won't give anything away but some things are just too far fetched to be believable. These flaws don't discount a very funny, warm movie with delightful performances by Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, and Jeremy Piven, who is the very best "best friend" ever. This guy needs his own movie. A perfect film to see as an escape from these violent times.
Gag me.
posted on 03 Jun 2009And that's not 'gag' as a good thing, either. This is a sitcom pretending to be a
film. What has happened to 'cutting edge' Cusack? This drek must have paid abundle, because there's no 'there' there. They meet cute, they separate, they
both have funny goofy looking friends who advise them poorly, please. Thetrailer is better than the film, the audience was laughing at places that weren't
intended to get laughs. The best part of the film- New York City, in all it's glory.
Either go there, or stay home and watch 'Friends', which is just about as deep
and interesting, but only a half hour long.
Best i genre
posted on 26 May 2009I must say that this genre of films does not appeal to me very much (romantic comedies that is). This film however is an exception. John Cusack is a great for the role as Jonathan and I've loved Kate Beckinsale ever since I saw Shooting Fish. Even Jeremy Piven, who played Cusack's character's friend in "Grosse Point Blank" too, is doing a great job. This film is not, opposite to "Sleepless in Seattle", just cute.
"We'll always have Bloomingdale's"
posted on 16 May 2009"Serendipity" was a film I missed when it was originally released. Since there was nothing else playing the other night, I decided to take a look at it. The movie is pure sugar, so, diabetics, watch out!Spoilers herein.The screen play is a combination of styles we've seen before. Marc Klein has an ear for the way New Yorkers talk, but he seems to have been influenced by other movies of this genre that have been done better and with more flair. Peter Chelsom's direction doesn't add anything to the story either.The idea that this pair that fates conjures to bring together at Bloomingdale's at the height of the Christmas shopping season, is a pleasant one, but just to think that these two newly discovered 'soul mates' will make it against all probabilities just by sharing some wicked looking desserts at Serendipity 3, is preposterous. I'm not saying it can't happen, but it's extremely rare to have a Sara so coy and so silly to think she wouldn't give Jonathan her phone number right away. It's not every day one finds a hunk like him to let the opportunity go by, acting the way she does. I mean, she should have called a limo and taken him home immediately, why wait?John Cusack has done better work than in this film. Kate Beckingsale is an actress that is not easy to classify, but in this film she is not shown at her best. This is not an unpleasant film to watch if one doesn't expect too much from it.
What a sleeper, did they even try to make a good movie?
posted on 14 May 2009Wow, I can't believe people consider this a 'good' movie. Now, I have seen much worse, but there are much more romantic/funny comedies with John Cusack.This is a mediocre film at best. While the acting wasn't terrible, but not great, for a romantic comedy, there was little passion, little romance. There were many loose ends that don't show up or are not addressed. Unfortunately, the main characters do come off as complete cowards. They don't know themselves well enough to realize that they don't love the people they are engaged to. How do we know they aren't in love? By the utter lack of remorse both characters have for leaving their finances. I can think of few things more romantic than the continual escape from commitment that these two show.The movie doesn't even end with a wedding scene, more than likely both will get cold feet and drop each other like hot potatoes once a commitment is nearing. This movie is really about two people who can't commit to anything, unlike Cusack's previous characters, who were more than willing to make a deep commitment (Loyd in Say Anything, Martin in Grosse Pointe Blank, etc.).The greatest failure of this movie was the complete lack of any twists turns, or anything of interest. When the movie ended, I felt like they had failed to include a climax to the story, which basically fits the whole movie: boring. No suspense about whether the two will end up together, no joy when they do, no consequences to their actions.It is sad that people are so blind to the shoddiness of this movie, that they simply rebuke any criticism with 'Everyone is too Cynical!'. Criticism of this movie is not cynicism, simply unbiased examination. There are many other better romantic comedies, even ones with Grace Kelly, or Eva Marie Saint.If you think this movie is great, try these movies, you hearts will explode: The Princess Bride, Say Anything, Grosse Pointe Blank, High Fidelity, Keeping the Faith, Charade, Rear Window, North by Northwest, or There's Something About Mary (which is a good examination of idealized romance vs. today's society).
Dullsville, Arizona.
posted on 12 May 2009BORING! this film is trite, contrived, shamelessly soppy and, frankly, just dull. Cusack is usually so dependable: come on man! get it together! The girl is so irritating, I wouldn't have been surprised if Cusack had walked around New York burning down bookstores to avoid ever having to meet this terrible woman again.And the ice skating! My goodness, it was like being forcefed six pints of ice cream, syrup, butter and cream! DO NOT WATCH!
File this one under MST
posted on 10 May 2009I can't believe I wasted 86 minutes of my life watching this film. I further can't believe I'm wasting another 15 writing about it. But once again, I'm so incredibly stupified by the positive comments a film has received, I feel obliged to point out what I feel is obvious.Serendipity is one of the worst films ever made. Pass whatever you're smoking this way if you feel otherwise. What was "Jon" Cusack thinking? Beckinsale, hot on the heels of her bad performance in Pearl Harbor, leaves no doubt that she can't act a lick.This film is so chock full of cliches and ridiculous happenings, it's pointless to point them out, since they happen in EVERY scene. Yes, I get the concept of "serendipity". Leave everything to chance. OK, once again, an example of a concept that actually could be taken somewhere if someone had put an ounce of intellegence into the script. Needless to say, that doesn't happen here. I made a permanent dent in my couch watching this film because as the scenes rolled before my eyes, I cringed further and further back. Here's a hint to the aspiring scriptwriters: If you're thinking of using a concept that is completely absurd, BE SUBTLE. That's the only way a film like this is going to work. Make the characters, and therefore the audience, use their heads a little bit. Don't smack us in the face repeatedly with this kind of crap.Needless to say, if I met some girl and she did the things that Beckinsale does when her and Cusack first meet, I'd tell her she needed to run, not walk, to Bellevue and check herself in. The film pretty much fails at this early point and gets worse and worse. Remarkably, a film like this can rise above it's script and actually be somewhat decent. Most of them are romantic comedies with absurd circumstances where the actors are so likeable and add such depth, that they pull themselves away from an otherwise bad script. Cusack and Beckinsale seemed to enjoy wallowing in the muck of this script. As did the supporting cast, who usually are good for a few laughs in a film like this. Jeremy Piven, debuting a new rag on his head, and Molly "Stick to SNL (everyone's bad there)" Shannon are as bad as the leads.I hate to be so harsh, but if you think this is a good movie, you'd probably enjoy a pet rock or an engagement ring from Wal-Mart.
the most magical movie i have ever seen...
posted on 26 Apr 2009I watched this movie when i was in USA. Despite the fact that i do not like romantic movies, i adored this one. It is one of my favorite films and i have three of them.It was the most magical movie i have seen.Me as a person do not believe in magic and love , this movie made me believe it. Funny it is it almost gave me the hope that there is something someone called "one" and he is out there somewhere. It has a enjoyable and unique way of telling us about fate. I really looked for that movie in Turkey and i am still looking now it has been 3 years and i still couldn't find. I adore this movie and every hopeless and non-love-believer like myself should see this movie. I guarantee you will enjoy it. have fun :)))
Serendipity indeed !
posted on 24 Apr 2009"Serendipity" is defined as making a fortunate discovery of something you weren't looking for. This film is the cinematic definition! Call it an urban fairy tale, or an optimist's dream, or just a great "feel good" film. Walking in I had low expectations... but walking out I was still pleasantly surprised. The two leads, John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, were terrific and perfect for their roles. The supporting cast was hilarious. You won't soon forget the comedic talents of fast-talking, Pulitzer-prize-aspiring NY Times obit writer played by Jeremy Piven, or the uptight, unhelpful yet hilarious clothing salesman played by Eugene Levy, or the French painter "Mignon" ("like the steak" he tells Cusack who still calls him "minyan"). And who can forget the New Age "Yanni wannabe" Lars. His music video is a classic, if only John Tesh could take a hint! The film is a joy to watch. The mood will sweep you through to the predictable conclusion. You may know the ending before the film begins, but the process of getting there is the real enjoyment. Serendipity... 10/10!
A fun movie
posted on 22 Apr 2009On a recent flight from London to Nairobi, I asked the flight attendant to suggest a movie from the list available. She suggested "Serendipity" and qualified her suggestion by telling me that Kate Beckinsale played the leading role. Seeing the look of unrecognition on my face, she reminded me that Kate also starred in "Pearl Harbor". "Yuck!" I thought. But it was a long flight and she assured me it was a good choice.Well, Kate was great in "Serendipity", as was John Cusack. You felt a chemistry between them from the moment they meet in a department store and fight over the same glove. And they built that bond to the point that your are happy for them every time you think they will re-unite.This film flows well and has a good balance of comedy and tension to keep you entertained from the opening credits to the fade to black.
"Destiny"
posted on 30 Aug 2009Do you believe in fate? How about destiny or the fact that everything happens for a reason, and there are no coincidences in life? In the romantic comedy Serendipity, it is a story of two New Yorkers, Jonathan Trager (John Cusack) and Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale) who meet by fate in a Bloomingdale's department store over a pair of black cashmere gloves, and spend an odd yet nice night together, then leave it all to chance as they write their phone numbers on a five dollar bill and a used book. If the bill or book is found then they know that they were meant to be and that fate has brought them together. Years later, after neither have found each others phone numbers, the two are close to getting married to different people, basically on the same date. While both are having second thoughts about their current situation and can't get the other off their minds, try one more time to find each other. This hopeful romantic film is a great date movie and highly recommended. If you don't believe in fate now, you will once you have watched this movie.Serendipity means a fortunate accident. I personally think that everything happens for a reason and that there are no accidents or coincidences in life. So this movie was right up my ally. A little frustrating at first though to see a couple hit it off so well and then leave everything to chance, but if it was meant to be then it will happen, right? The two go through some pretty suspenseful twists and your left thinking if they're going to end up finding each other. The lengths that they both endure are so sweet you just want them to find each other and fall madly in love again.John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale have amazing on- screen chemistry, and when put together they make the perfect pair. John Cusack is a very witty guy in this film and is always there for a good laugh. His character, Jonathan Trager is your typical hopeless romantic that you end up rooting for in the end to find the girl and sweep her off her feet. He is a very talented actor and is nothing short of in this flick. His character is also paired with best friend Dean Kansky (Jeremy Piven), an obituary writer for the New York Times. Together these two are the dynamic duo. Jeremy Piven with his one-liners and comedic timing is a perfect side kick for the uneasy and confused Jonathan Trager. Both are in the race to find the girl of Jonathan's dream, running all around New York, pulled in a million directions, and fighting over obstacles in order to have one last chance with "the one" that got away, two days before his wedding. Opposite John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale is also an amazing actress to watch. She sparkles on screen with her beauty and grace, playing the perfect girl for Jonathan to chase. She too is linked with a best friend, Eve (Molly Shannon) who is by her side the whole time tearing through New York to try and find Jonathan. Molly Shannon's character owns a new-age store in San Francisco, and has just the quirky style and comedic support to balance out Kate Beckinsale. They are the perfect best bud match and are fun to watch interact with each other. With the wonderful setting of the beautiful New York and these four talented actors this movie was sure to attract all those hopeless romantics out there.Serendipity overall is a fantastic movie, with an interesting storyline, talented and well known actors all to a backdrop of the beautiful New York skyline. This is a great romantic comedy that will keep you in a pleasant suspense until the very end, and left wondering if there is a certain person out there that you are meant to spend the rest of your life with. Will you meet by fate, by chance; is it your long time best friend, or the person sitting next to you on the subway? This movie leaves you questioning your every move, and second guessing your life choices. Give fate and destiny a chance; you never know what they will bring to you.