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Is there really such a thing as a benevolent destiny that will eventually reunite true soul mates separated by time and distance? That’s the question posed by Serendipity, a whimsical romance graced with ingenious scripting and charming performances. It begins at Christmastime in a New York department store, where John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale meet by chance -- while shopping for their "significant others" -- and are immediately attracted to each other. After spending a romantic evening together, they reluctantly part, secretly hoping that fate will reunite them some day. Director Peter Chelsom (Town and Country) devotes the remainder of the film to rendering believable a series of remarkable coincidences intended to facilitate that reunion. Cusack and Beckinsale are appropriately appealing as the would-be lovers, although they’re very nearly overshadowed by Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon, who are hilarious as their respective best friends. Eugene Levy contributes a scene-stealing turn as a prissy store clerk, but perhaps the best supporting character is New York City, reasserting itself as the nation’s most romantic city. Serendipity sometimes strains credulity with its outrageous plot contrivances, but this bewitching little film celebrates everything that’s kinder and gentler about us -- and for that alone deserves to be seen again and again. The DVD offers Chelsom commentary on both the full-length movie and deleted scenes; other bonus features include an Encore "On the Set" documentary, the director’s own "production diary," storyboard-to-film comparisons, and an extensive photo gallery. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

After the long-delayed Town and Country, director Peter Chelsom turns in his second 2001 effort with this love-at-first-sight romantic comedy that revolves around fate, destiny, and chance. Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) are two New Yorkers already in relationships when they meet one another, each reaching for the last pair of cashmere gloves at a department store. Over coffee, they strike up an intimate conversation, and Jonathan thinks they should see each other again. Unconvinced, Sara arranges an elaborate series of "fate" games; if they're meant to be together, she reasons, she and Jonathan will receive some sort of sign in the future. Flash forward several years, and the two are at opposite ends of the country -- Jonathan in New York and Sara in San Francisco, both engaged to be married. Still, neither can shake the memory of their chance encounter, and they both enlist their best friends (Molly Shannon and Jeremy Piven) to help them find their true love again. Serendipity had its Gala World Premiere at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival. Michael Hastings

Product Details

• UPC: 786936166583
• Source: MIRAMAX
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Theatre Wide-Screen (1.85.1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français
• Subtitles: English, Español
• Time: 1:31:00
• Sales Rank: 1,580

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Kate & Leopold / Serendipity

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