Serendipitous Rewind

Not since “Say Anything” have I seen John Cusack (as Jonathan Trager) in a story like Serendipity, but I suppose best admit it is (Total Recall’s) Kate Beckinsale (as Kate Thomas) who was excellent in The Aviator, and youthfully charms here.

I have wanted to watch Serendipity for several months since I saw it listed on demand, but just got to it today and it did not disappoint. While I didn’t see it as a cinematic tour de force, it has a good story & some very strong moments that excelled beyond that level.

I was not familiar with Jeremy Piven, who plays Cusack’s character’s best friend Dean Kansky, but I think he pretty much stole the show. The material here is not deep overall, but Piven’s part is actually maybe the best, both in a comic vein as well as dramatically.

Don’t get me wrong: John Cusack (not to mention sister, Joan) is a favorite, from True Colors, The Grifters (rough), City Hall, Bullets Over Broadway, Eight Men Out, and The Sure Thing, is versatile and talented, but the Jon Trager role was less well developed than the Dean Kansky part.

Kate Beckinsale’s Sara, is able to go deeper, but maybe that is the man in me speaking, not sure. She has some key moments that I found to be outstanding, and the film’s premise was great, but the execution was not exceptional to my eyes.

Molly Shannon, formerly of SNL and beloved of Superstar, is Beckinsale’s best friend Eve, loyal if dumbfounded at her friend’s unusual quest for true love. Eve sells “New Age” items but is rather more grounded at heart.

Lovely and skillful Bridget Moynihan of TV’s Bluebloods plays Jon’s perceptive fiancée Halley, and All Saints John Corbett does well as Lars Hammond, Kate’s offbeat, alternately flakey and sincere clarinetist fiancé. Eugene Levy does a good comical turn as a key Bloomingdales Salesman.

I am kind of dumfounded at the uneveness of this film, but the premise that one’s response to fate’s circumstances determines happiness in love and other mysteries combined with a winsome female lead, good male match, excellent supporting cast, and certain very well-written sequences conspired for an enjoyable watch for this viewer.

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