Where to watch It Could Happen to You
3 Stars
Nicolas Cage and director Andrew Bergman reunite after their successful first collaboration Honeymoon in Vegas. It Could Happen to You isn’t a great romantic comedy but it’s skillfully made and performed, and the film is able to capture the appropriate tone to make the whimsical story work. Cage and Bridget Fond produce gentle chemistry that makes them easy to root for, while Rosie Perez gives another high-energy comedic performance and nearly runs off with the movie in the process.
Charlie Lang (Nicolas Cage) is a neighborhood cop with a heart of gold-and a money-hungry wife (Rosie Perez) who’s always looking for a way to cash in. When she asks Charlie to buy a Lottery ticket, he agrees, then impulsively promises half the winnings to a waitress, Yvonne (Bridget Fonda). When their numbers hit, Muriel begins to live large while Charlie and Yvonne learn to love again.
It Could Happen to You hinges on believable casting and writing, Bergman has wisely selected an ultra-capable cast and the lean screenplay from Jane Anderson tells an earnest, heartfelt, and entertaining story. Cage and his co-stars are all working within their established ranges and sometimes it’s nice to be in the hands of skilled craftsmen even if the result is paper-thin. Cage gives an understated performance which is right in line with his character and the film’s tone.
Director: Andrew Bergman
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda, Rosie Perez