The past several years has seen many movies that deal with fate. Many have been good (When Harry Met Sally, Return to Me) while others never should have been made at all (Boys and Girls). Serendipity is bit different in that fate is actually a star in the movie.

John Cusack is a happy-go-lucky New Yorker who, during one beautiful December night, meets and falls instantly in love with a superstitious Kate Beckinsale. Both are involved in other relationships, but the attraction is undeniable. Because of Beckinsale's strange attitudes about life, the two potential love-birds end up going their separate ways. Years later, Cusack is engaged to another woman, but can't seem to get Beckinsale out of his head. Meanwhile, Beckinsale is engaged to another man and can't seem to get Cusack out of her head. You do the math.

Serendipity is certainly well intentioned. It never tries to be something it's not. This is a highly manipulative, old fashioned, light hearted romance, fueled by the likable performances of it's two (three if you count fate) leads. Cusack is an absolute treasure and has been for years. Beckinsale is a beauty and much more effective here than she was in the over hyped Pearl Harbor. Director Peter Chelsom gives us several wonderful bit players as well--including Eugene Levy, Jeremy Piven, Molly Shannon, and John Corbett.

Serendipity is also stunning to look at. The cinematography is picture-perfect--capturing the sights and sounds of New York during the holidays. In fact, this film probably would be a bigger hit had it been released in November.

Serendipity isn't a perfect film. It does suffer from a slow pace, particularly where the final act is concerned, but the movie is so damned charming that it's hard to walk away from it without smiling.