Serendipity This 2001 tale of kismet, and immediate connection with another person, is a charming romantic comedy.  It deals with fate, providence, and soul mates. ...and yet somehow it manages not to be saccharine, or pretentious.  It is, in fact, utterly endearing, and that's thanks in large part to the undeniable chemistry that Jonathan (the always affable John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale, as adorable as ever) have.  Their love is the core of this film, and it's completely believable ....so no matter how preposterous the subject matter gets, with it's talk of destiny and true love, it all feels remarkably refreshing.  Still, the film is formulaic from beginning to end....and there's no escaping the conventions (or, one may say TRAPPINGS) of the romantic genre.  Jon and Sara are both going to marry their significant others, yet they still yearn for one another since the unforgettable night they shared years ago when they first met.  The universe keeps pointing them in the direction of eachother, reminding them of that irreplaceable spark and forcing them to acknowledge their doubts about their current relationships.  They see signs everywhere they go, indicative of their lost love. . and so before they both wed, they desperately search for one another.  What follows is a splendidly joyful hunt throughout Manhattan, with each of them narrowly missing eachother repeatedly in key locations throughout the city. It's something that could only happen in a movie of this nature, and yet it doesn't feel terribly contrived.  That's because there's a particular energy about the film that's too earnest to be ridiculed or scrutinized very closely.  Another thing that feels genuine is the relationships between the main players and their best friends, played by Jeremy Priven and Molly Shannon, respectively.  They are both amusing, and add infinitely to the passion of Jonathan and Sara's pursuit.  Also, the music,. . .at least the orchestrated pieces...is filled with a longing and heartache that is note-perfect for the bittersweet search for one's true love.  In fact, I've played that piece below. . .and I tried to capture the elusive magical quality that is so prevalent as a reoccurring theme throughout the picture. While the film never strays too far out of the expected format, its familiar cinematic logic and wistful, unabashed romantic notions exemplify a kind of simplicity and heart that is altogether missing from most of these types of films. Rating:  B

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