It Could Happen to You
Charlie, a kind natured NY cop is unable to leave a tip one day for an equally kind natured waitress. He gives her an offer; he’ll come back tomorrow with double the tip, or half the winnings in his lottery ticket.
When he wins $4million, he keeps his end of the bargain – much to the frustration of his high maintenance wife – and to the amazement of the city.
Cast/Characters
Cage is wonderful as Charlie, and shows that he has always had the ability to command every role he is given. from the empathetic and kind natured Charlie – to some of the more recent reviews I have done of his movies (Longlegs, Sympathy for the Devil etc), he always delivers.
Retired actress Bridget Fonda, is equally as adorable as Yvette – the sweet natured waitress – who goes bankrupt the morning of Charlie’s offer.
Rosie Perez, is just dynamite as Muriel – Charlie’s apathetic wife – who despises his job, and his kind nature. Her character trope helps guide the film to its ‘Hollywood’ ending where the ‘soulmates’ come together.
Supporting cast include Stanley Tucci as Yvonne’s estranged husband, Seymour Cassel as a Billionaire Muriel falls for, and Isaac Hayes as the Narrator (and ‘Angel’) who plays an important part in
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
The story line is timeless, with the obvious ‘meant to be’ love story between Charlie and Yvonne, which is hampered by the fact he is already married (and in a now loveless marriage).
While this ‘could’ still happen today, the only real change that would be made would be the inclusion of today’s technology. Especially given the tipping culture in America even 30 years later, the way the two characters come together is still relevant today.
‘Inspired by’ true events, this film builds on the Hollywood type film getting the pair together, for the “fairy-tale” and Hollywood ending.
Even with the romance angle, it has some good moments of action (the robbery scene) as well as some drama, during Charlie and Muriel’s divorce, and when Muriel sues for all the money back.
Score/Soundtrack
A lovely score by one of my favourite composers Carter Burwell, with some lovely songs in the soundtrack (including ‘Young at Heart’) during a montage of Charlie and Yvonne’s growing friendship.
Overall
A sweet RomCom that has aged well, and is strengthened by the chemistry of the two leads. A forgotten gem that was a must watch during the mid 1990s.
4/5
If you’re able to, please “buy me a coffee”