Serendipity: A Whimsical Second Chance New York Romance

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Something that’s been quite fun for this cinema aficionado is revisiting films from the 90s that I’ve never seen. One of them is Serendipity, a whimsical New York (in part) set drama that features Kate Beckinsale (who many will recognize from period dramas). Her romantic partner in this endeavor is John Cusack; an actor I don’t often thing of in this genre, but together, their characters and stories do work.

This one might not have risen to a favorite level, but it is charming. Find out why I like this one, and my “first impressions” by reading the full length review through the link below.

Serendipity (2001) Film Review

Serendipity

Romances produced in the 90s and early 2000s is not an era I frequent. For this reason, there is a host of catalog titles that I have been able to play “catch up” with. Serendipity, a romantic dramedy, is one such film that falls into that box.

Taking place on opposite ends of the coasts with a heck of a lot of missed chances in-between, Serendipity is, at its heart, a romance. It follows Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale) and Jonathan Trager (John Cusack) who spend one magical night together. Read the review in full on Silver Petticoat Review →

Serendipity
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Have you seen this film? Did you like or dislike it? What are some of your favorite “vintage” romantic-comedies? Comment down below with your thoughts!

There is one suggestive scene involving a couple in a state of undress (non-graphic), and some commonplace profanity. The film is rated PG-13.

Photos: Miramax / Lionsgate

This review first appeared on Silver Petticoat Review.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

11 comments

  1. Aw, this is one of my favorites! When we visited New York City this summer I made my husband take me to Serendipity 3 for frozen hot chocolate (which was amazing). He didn't get why we had to go there, but it was definitely a bucket list item for me!

    1. That's OK, so long as YOU understood its importance and he was willing to go with you, that's what matters. You understood. :)

      I suspect this one is one that will grow on me with every viewing. I mean I loved it the first time through, but I've zero doubt that will improve the more I see it. :)

  2. Ah, I'm so glad you watched this! If I had known you hadn't seen it, I would have insisted you watch it sooner ;)

    It's an favorite from this era, and definitely has plenty of romance and fun moments. It's special to me because my dad and I used to watch it together on occasion and cracked up at the humor in it. *especially* the don't-come-behind-the-counter scene.

    Also, I visited Serendipity 3 and had a frozen hot chocolate when my sister lived in NYC — it was such a treat! It was before I watched the movie, though.

    1. I wish you had, Courtney. So often I need those nudges. :) *whispers* I also only just watched Kate & Leopold (like I finished it last night). So yeah, clearly I was missing out.

      That scene in the department store? It's hilarious! I 100% agree. I love that this one has an old-fashioned appeal which is so rare in most cinema pursuits. Plus it's always fun to see Austen alum, Kate Beckinsale in something else.

      How fun! Frozen hot chocolate sounds wonderful. And how cool you visited NYC. Though I have no illusions it'd be a place I'd like to live, I think I'd like to (someday) visit. :)

  3. I believe I've only seen parts of this one. It's a cute idea, but I'm sure if it was real life, I'd hate it! haha I mean, I guess I believe in "things happening for a reason" sometimes but to leave this type of thing up to fate? It's not likely they'd end up together! haha

    -lauren

    1. I agree, Lauren. Sometimes I get a little annoyed by all of the "near misses" in romantic comedies (when the couple can't ever seem to cheat fate and MEET!), but in this case, I have a soft spot in my heart for this one. Maybe it's because it was my cousin's favorite flick or because I like Kate Beckinsale (she's a frequent Jane Austen adaptation leading lady). Either way, it's a cute idea indeed. :)

      Thanks for visiting!

  4. Oh, Serendipity! This was one of my favorite movies, though I haven't seen it in a few years. I used to have a little crush on John Cusack, so I watched his movies, including this one, multiple times :) Maybe it's time for a rewatch!

    1. YES! You should enjoy a rewatch, Lindsey. I suspect I'll love this one all the more each time I watch it. It's one of the cutest premises and the actor are well suited, which is a MUST in romcoms. :) Thanks for visiting – glad to know this is one of your favorites.

  5. Ah, I love this movie! I'm with Courtney, if I'd known you hadn't seen it until now, I'd've encouraged you much sooner. So much hilarity in this! Although I totally understand your hesitation when the main couple spends most of the movie separated. I was wary of this movie for that reason as well, but the adorableness soon won me over. :)

    1. I cannot believe I'd not seen this one either, Kara. It was my cousin's favorite film, so I think I always had a "soft spot" for it even though I'd never seen it just because it reminded me of her.

      I think in the end, the concept worked fine. I mean I wish we'd gotten more screen time for the two of them (I always experience "movie frustration" with all the near meetings), but the end is so sweet and swoony, all was forgiven.

      So glad I *finally* saw this one! There's probably something else I haven't seen that you and Courtney need to encourage me to watch. We'll simply have to figure out what. :)

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