Warm, enchanting, simply wonderful romantic comedy plays out like a fairy tale brought to life. Cage is a gracious, good-natured New York cop who wins the lotto, but against the wishes of his stingy, mercurial wife (Perez), he then splits it with a hard-luck waitress (Fonda) as repayment for not leaving a tip! Predictable every step of the way, and hard to believe (though it's purportedly based on a true story), but it's so well-performed, so irresistibly charming, so sweet and romantic that you really don't mind. Not only a good showcase for the film's ideal leads, but also a wholesome, kindhearted film that gives hope to the notion of human decency. ***
120 Reviews
Excellent romantic, feel-good film!
LebowskiT10002 January 2003
I'm not really the type of person that gets all excited about romantic films, but there is just something about this film that makes you feel good all the way through.
Not only is the film very touching and quite romantic, but it also has something to say about honesty and greed in the world. Although, this isn't the first movie in history to touch on these subjects, but I'm pretty sure it has never been done quite like this before.
The cast in this film is just plain excellent. Nicolas Cage is as great as always, no big surprises or let downs in that department. Bridget Fonda is spectacular in her role. She delivers a very heart-felt performance and looks nothing less than fantastic throughout the film. Both characters played by Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda were excellent characters and really seem like people that you enjoy being around. Rosie Perez was very good in her role, I actually HATED her character, not in the sense that she did a poor job, but that her character was an unlikeable person. Wendell Pierce's character (Bo Williams) was great too, also a person you would be proud to call a friend. Isaac Hayes was nice touch in the film. The rest of the cast was very good as well.
I would definitely recommend this film to anyone that likes Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda, romantic-comedies or just feel-good movies. I really enjoyed this film quite a bit and I hope that you will too. Thanks for reading,
-Chris
Not only is the film very touching and quite romantic, but it also has something to say about honesty and greed in the world. Although, this isn't the first movie in history to touch on these subjects, but I'm pretty sure it has never been done quite like this before.
The cast in this film is just plain excellent. Nicolas Cage is as great as always, no big surprises or let downs in that department. Bridget Fonda is spectacular in her role. She delivers a very heart-felt performance and looks nothing less than fantastic throughout the film. Both characters played by Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda were excellent characters and really seem like people that you enjoy being around. Rosie Perez was very good in her role, I actually HATED her character, not in the sense that she did a poor job, but that her character was an unlikeable person. Wendell Pierce's character (Bo Williams) was great too, also a person you would be proud to call a friend. Isaac Hayes was nice touch in the film. The rest of the cast was very good as well.
I would definitely recommend this film to anyone that likes Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda, romantic-comedies or just feel-good movies. I really enjoyed this film quite a bit and I hope that you will too. Thanks for reading,
-Chris
Sweetest romantic comedy possible
inkblot1128 May 2003
It Could Happen to You certainly meets any criteria for a good romantic comedy. It's got a handsome male lead (Nicolas Cage), a sweet damsel in distress (Bridget Fonda) and a villian (Rosie Perez). Add a plot that swivels between wonderful scenes of the interested parties falling in love and the chaos erupting from the bad woman with an attitude and you have a story that captures and holds the interest of the viewer. Isaac Hayes does a wonderful job narrating the story as it unfolds. This is one of my favorite movies of all time and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to curl up in an easy chair and watch an adorable romantic comedy with some touching dramatic scenes.
An enjoyable piece of escapism
philip_vanderveken30 June 2005
The question that probably everybody once asked to himself / herself and many others is: what would you do if you won the lottery? Well, I know what I would do with it. I wouldn't change much to my lifestyle, but for those who don't know what to expect, this movie gives a good idea of how gaining a lot of money in a short period of time can influence your entire life... But I don't watch movies to know what to do with my life and neither should other people. Movies are entertainment and this one certainly offers plenty of that.
When Charlie Lang, a New York cop with a heart of gold, can't give a tip to Yvonne, a waitress at a small diner, he promises her that he will come back the next day to give her the double of her money or, in case he wins anything, half of his share of the state lottery. Of course she doesn't believe him, but when he comes back the next day and offers her the chance to chose between the two options, she goes for the lottery option. Only than he tells her that he has won 4 million dollars and that she will get half of that. But there is only one problem: his wife Muriel. She gets greedy, certainly doesn't want to share her money with a waitress she doesn't know, but doesn't even want to share it with her own husband. As Charlie and Muriel grow apart, Charlie and Yvonne grow together and it doesn't take long before Muriel files for divorce, grabs all the money and leaves with a rich man by her side...
There are plenty of romantic comedies nowadays and it is very hard to find a really good one. Well, this might be one of the few. I really liked it and there are many reasons for that. One certainly is that, despite the fact that we live in a world full of greed and egoism, some writers still try to give us hope by showing that not everything in the world is bad. OK, that may sound incredibly naive, but I really am not that stupid as you might think. I'm a business man in heart and soul, but sometimes I can really enjoy this type of positive escapism.
The fact that Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda play an important role in this movie also helps of course. And it has to be said, they really played their roles well and very convincingly. But they weren't the only ones, because the same can be said about Rosie Perez. She's incredibly good as the money-hungry bitch and despite what many people might think, she doesn't exaggerate. I've known people to change into someone just like her character once they had a bit of money in their hands... Overall this is a nice, perhaps a bit naive movie with some good acting and an interesting story. I really liked what I saw and find this one of the better romantic comedies I've ever seen. I give it a score of at least 7.5/10, although I think that even an 8/10 isn't exaggerated.
When Charlie Lang, a New York cop with a heart of gold, can't give a tip to Yvonne, a waitress at a small diner, he promises her that he will come back the next day to give her the double of her money or, in case he wins anything, half of his share of the state lottery. Of course she doesn't believe him, but when he comes back the next day and offers her the chance to chose between the two options, she goes for the lottery option. Only than he tells her that he has won 4 million dollars and that she will get half of that. But there is only one problem: his wife Muriel. She gets greedy, certainly doesn't want to share her money with a waitress she doesn't know, but doesn't even want to share it with her own husband. As Charlie and Muriel grow apart, Charlie and Yvonne grow together and it doesn't take long before Muriel files for divorce, grabs all the money and leaves with a rich man by her side...
There are plenty of romantic comedies nowadays and it is very hard to find a really good one. Well, this might be one of the few. I really liked it and there are many reasons for that. One certainly is that, despite the fact that we live in a world full of greed and egoism, some writers still try to give us hope by showing that not everything in the world is bad. OK, that may sound incredibly naive, but I really am not that stupid as you might think. I'm a business man in heart and soul, but sometimes I can really enjoy this type of positive escapism.
The fact that Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda play an important role in this movie also helps of course. And it has to be said, they really played their roles well and very convincingly. But they weren't the only ones, because the same can be said about Rosie Perez. She's incredibly good as the money-hungry bitch and despite what many people might think, she doesn't exaggerate. I've known people to change into someone just like her character once they had a bit of money in their hands... Overall this is a nice, perhaps a bit naive movie with some good acting and an interesting story. I really liked what I saw and find this one of the better romantic comedies I've ever seen. I give it a score of at least 7.5/10, although I think that even an 8/10 isn't exaggerated.
Charming and cute feel-good movie
TheLittleSongbird2 August 2010
What a lovely little film. Mind you, I didn't see this until fairly recently, and when I did see it, I was glad I did so. It Could Happen to You was nice, charming and cute. There are a couple of moments that drag in the middle but that is the only thing really I could find to criticise. What It Could Happen to You is is a film that tries to be charming and succeeds.
What I loved about this movie was that it has a lovely, sweet tone to it. This is complete with a nice story and plenty of lovely scenes such as when Charlie and Yvonne miss the boat and spend time together. Then It Could Happen to You has a wonderful soundtrack, striking scenery and efficient direction. And the acting is very good. Both the characters of Charlie and Yvonne are down-to-earth, sympathetic characters, and Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda both do wonderful jobs. Even better is Rosie Perez, admittedly Muriel is a character you love to hate and my impression was you were supposed to hate her, but Perez's performance was deliciously bitchy and delightful.
Overall, a lovely film, very charming. 9/10 Bethany Cox
What I loved about this movie was that it has a lovely, sweet tone to it. This is complete with a nice story and plenty of lovely scenes such as when Charlie and Yvonne miss the boat and spend time together. Then It Could Happen to You has a wonderful soundtrack, striking scenery and efficient direction. And the acting is very good. Both the characters of Charlie and Yvonne are down-to-earth, sympathetic characters, and Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda both do wonderful jobs. Even better is Rosie Perez, admittedly Muriel is a character you love to hate and my impression was you were supposed to hate her, but Perez's performance was deliciously bitchy and delightful.
Overall, a lovely film, very charming. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Truly romantic and a lovely movie.
triple817 January 2004
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the sweetest and most touching films to come out of the nineties. Anyone who enjoys touching heartwarming stories that touch the soul should watch this. The plot concerns a kindhearted cop(Cage) and his materialistic wife(Perez) who win several million in the lottery. The day they win, the cop had been in a restaurant earlier, where he came up short on money and couldn't tip his waitress(Bridget Fonda).Fonda's character is a down on her luck waitress with a heart of gold who gets treated like garbage by her boss and has an estranged husband who ran up her credit card bill and forced her into bankruptcy. So, since Cage has no money for a tip and he feels bad,he tells Fonda he has a lottery ticket and if he wins he'll split the winnings with her. When he does indeed win he honors his promise to Fonda, a woman he's met for all of a few minutes, much to the dismay of his wife who wants all the money. So she decides to divorce him and try to keep all the money for herself.
Of coarse, the cop and the waitress start to fall in love but I wouldn't call this just a typical romantic comedy-It is a beautiful tale of integrity, decency and kindness of spirit.I'm not going to go into what happens to Cage and Fonda as they go through both good times and very very low times. I will say that Karma figures a lot into this story-how Cage and Fonda are ultimately paid back for what they give up is gloriously poignant and I also love the scene where Cage first tells Fonda that she's a millionaire-and her gradual realization that he's telling her the truth.
The characters are very well acted, Perez will make you absolutely hate her, Fonda's character is so real I wanted to take a ride to her restaurant when the movie was over and grab lunch-she is very good in this-as is Cage as the kindly hardworking cop. The way the story is narrated is great and the last couple of scenes are some of the most heartwarming I've ever seen.
This movie, I think will have the ability to make even the toughest person cry. Is this based on a true story as is said in the beginning?
Maybe, maybe not but truth or fiction, the fact remains:this is one darn good movie!
Of coarse, the cop and the waitress start to fall in love but I wouldn't call this just a typical romantic comedy-It is a beautiful tale of integrity, decency and kindness of spirit.I'm not going to go into what happens to Cage and Fonda as they go through both good times and very very low times. I will say that Karma figures a lot into this story-how Cage and Fonda are ultimately paid back for what they give up is gloriously poignant and I also love the scene where Cage first tells Fonda that she's a millionaire-and her gradual realization that he's telling her the truth.
The characters are very well acted, Perez will make you absolutely hate her, Fonda's character is so real I wanted to take a ride to her restaurant when the movie was over and grab lunch-she is very good in this-as is Cage as the kindly hardworking cop. The way the story is narrated is great and the last couple of scenes are some of the most heartwarming I've ever seen.
This movie, I think will have the ability to make even the toughest person cry. Is this based on a true story as is said in the beginning?
Maybe, maybe not but truth or fiction, the fact remains:this is one darn good movie!
Reminds you that there are good people in this world
cricketbat8 March 2021
I'm not going to lie, it's strange to see Nicholas Cage as a romantic lead. But he's so believable as Charlie Lang, the nicest guy in New York. And Bridget Fonda is so pure-hearted and kind as Yvonne Biasi. This movie makes you not only believe that there are good people in this world, it makes you want to be a better person. It's an endearing story that I enjoy watching every now and then.
This is how a modern romantic comedy should look like
floydianer26 February 2006
If you judge "It Could Happen to you" by its amount of realistic situations and characters, you'll probably give it a 4 out of 10. But, who cares about realism here? It's like a modern fairy tale, Frank Capra transported into the 90s. There's a wonderful storyline (Cop gives waitress a 2 million dollar tip), which apparently is even based on real-life events. Nicolas Cage plays the most honest cop imaginable, and he proves he can play a romantic lead role just as well as a dramatic action/thriller one. His character is not exactly 100 percent realistic, but that's not a problem, this is Hollywood for heaven's sake.
Even better than Cage is his female leading lady: the fascinating Bridget Fonda. Fonda is a wonderful actress who can play both a cute character like her waitress Yvonne here and more challenging roles like the LadyMacBeth-similar one in "A Simple Plan". Unfortunately she never had the career of a Julia Roberts but she is in fact more talented and better looking. Throughout the whole movie she gives a good performance and looks gorgeous. If I had the choice of giving a waitress the lottery money or not and the woman looked like Fonda I might even give it to her. Of course there aren't so many waitresses out there that look (and behave) as charming as her and chances are low I'll ever win two millions in the lottery.
Also notable is the wonderful chemistry between Cage and Fonda. As for the supporting roles special mention has to go to Perez. Although you wonder why Cage married her in the first place, she gives a humorous and entertaining performance. Of course there's kitsch but that's not necessarily bad. Good kitsch can be wonderful and this film, that has an absolutely great happy ending, serves as a perfect example of how a romantic comedy should be filmed. It's better than "Pretty Woman".
Even better than Cage is his female leading lady: the fascinating Bridget Fonda. Fonda is a wonderful actress who can play both a cute character like her waitress Yvonne here and more challenging roles like the LadyMacBeth-similar one in "A Simple Plan". Unfortunately she never had the career of a Julia Roberts but she is in fact more talented and better looking. Throughout the whole movie she gives a good performance and looks gorgeous. If I had the choice of giving a waitress the lottery money or not and the woman looked like Fonda I might even give it to her. Of course there aren't so many waitresses out there that look (and behave) as charming as her and chances are low I'll ever win two millions in the lottery.
Also notable is the wonderful chemistry between Cage and Fonda. As for the supporting roles special mention has to go to Perez. Although you wonder why Cage married her in the first place, she gives a humorous and entertaining performance. Of course there's kitsch but that's not necessarily bad. Good kitsch can be wonderful and this film, that has an absolutely great happy ending, serves as a perfect example of how a romantic comedy should be filmed. It's better than "Pretty Woman".
"Cop Gives Waitress $2 Million Tip!" was working title
KUAlum266 March 2006
I've read that,among other people,critic Roger Ebert liked the afore-mentioned title for this movie as opposed to the name it actually got. Am I alone in the only one who thinks that the original title was NOT a good idea? Think about it:how easily would the title of above roll of the tongue when discussing movies or going to the ticket window? Titles that have indirect subjects in their sentences to me,seem like they're trying to test the memory of the viewer wanting to see the film as much as they are trying to get his or her attention.
OK,'nuff said about that.
As for the movie: Unapologetically sweet,this is one part fairy-tale,one part morality lesson(like those two elements COULDN'T be one and the same thing!),using none other than the Big Apple as its backdrop.
Honest beat cop Charlie Lang(Nicolas Cage in possibly one of the least conflicted and cleanest character portrayals he's given)is short of change one day and,while stopping for coffee at a street diner,uses in lieu of a tip,part of his lottery ticket to the harried but pretty and good-natured waitress(Bridget Fonda,in a word:likable). When that ticket wins a large,metro-area jackpot,Charlie does the right thing and splits his portion of the winnings with the waitress,who needs that money desperately: she's in debt to her ears and has a mooch of an ex-husband(Stanley Tucci)who won't leave her alone. This act of generosity does not sit well at all with Charlie's vain wife Muriel(a screechy,believable Rosie Perez),who eventually acts to have Charlie--and in the process Yvonne the waitress--cut from the winnings entirely.
People who like to complain that movies these days have no sense of either morality or sentimentality would be wisely steered in the direction of this flick. Even though it's over a decade old,it's story is easily transferable and,while I am usually loathe to suggest remakes,would actually be receptive to a remake of this film(provided the screenwriter and director were willing to change some elements of the story,like location,circumstances or even genders). A film that seems to have been made by the ghost of Frank Capra,who would've been possessing Andrew Bergman(who successfully directed Mr.CAge in "HOneymoon in Vegas" a few years before). A good rent for anyone who likes a little sentimentality in their comedy.
OK,'nuff said about that.
As for the movie: Unapologetically sweet,this is one part fairy-tale,one part morality lesson(like those two elements COULDN'T be one and the same thing!),using none other than the Big Apple as its backdrop.
Honest beat cop Charlie Lang(Nicolas Cage in possibly one of the least conflicted and cleanest character portrayals he's given)is short of change one day and,while stopping for coffee at a street diner,uses in lieu of a tip,part of his lottery ticket to the harried but pretty and good-natured waitress(Bridget Fonda,in a word:likable). When that ticket wins a large,metro-area jackpot,Charlie does the right thing and splits his portion of the winnings with the waitress,who needs that money desperately: she's in debt to her ears and has a mooch of an ex-husband(Stanley Tucci)who won't leave her alone. This act of generosity does not sit well at all with Charlie's vain wife Muriel(a screechy,believable Rosie Perez),who eventually acts to have Charlie--and in the process Yvonne the waitress--cut from the winnings entirely.
People who like to complain that movies these days have no sense of either morality or sentimentality would be wisely steered in the direction of this flick. Even though it's over a decade old,it's story is easily transferable and,while I am usually loathe to suggest remakes,would actually be receptive to a remake of this film(provided the screenwriter and director were willing to change some elements of the story,like location,circumstances or even genders). A film that seems to have been made by the ghost of Frank Capra,who would've been possessing Andrew Bergman(who successfully directed Mr.CAge in "HOneymoon in Vegas" a few years before). A good rent for anyone who likes a little sentimentality in their comedy.
The nearest any film's ever come to breaking me...
Kinitawowi5 June 2002
...as a cynic.
I, through whatever reason, am absurdly cynical. A cynic, lest we forget, is somebody who puts very little faith in the good nature of humanity. Somebody who considers all good deeds to be selfishly motivated.
Somebody who should absolutely hate this film.
But I can't. I love this to pieces. No film has ever done as much to give me some faith in people. If Charlie can do the decent thing and split his ticket with Yvonne to fulfil a promise, despite the demands of a furious Muriel; if despite reaching a financial and emotional low they can still invite Angel in to put some food in his belly; and if the New York public can show their appreciation by doing whatever little they can to help out; then maybe, just maybe, there might be hope for the rest of us.
This. Is. Beautiful.
I, through whatever reason, am absurdly cynical. A cynic, lest we forget, is somebody who puts very little faith in the good nature of humanity. Somebody who considers all good deeds to be selfishly motivated.
Somebody who should absolutely hate this film.
But I can't. I love this to pieces. No film has ever done as much to give me some faith in people. If Charlie can do the decent thing and split his ticket with Yvonne to fulfil a promise, despite the demands of a furious Muriel; if despite reaching a financial and emotional low they can still invite Angel in to put some food in his belly; and if the New York public can show their appreciation by doing whatever little they can to help out; then maybe, just maybe, there might be hope for the rest of us.
This. Is. Beautiful.
Wholeheartedly a truly wonderful spellbound romantic comedy
UniqueParticle17 May 2019
Nicolas Cage & Bridget Fonda are a sweet fit. Not Rosie Perez though she's self obvsorbed and doesn't deserve to be rich at least in this story. The perfect chick flick enjoyable for everyone and the best example of what to do when winning the lottery! Generosity can go a long way! Another film where that's done well is "Pay it forward" very good morals in that too.
The Cast Makes This Quite the Charmer
Michael_Elliott30 January 2018
It Could Happen to You (1994)
*** (out of 4)
Nicolas Cage plays a poor cop who doesn't have enough money to leave a tip for a poor waitress (Bridget Fonda) but he promises to split his lottery winnings if he should happen to win. Sure enough he does win and he keeps his word to the waitress but before long his wife (Rosie Perez) leaves him and wants all the money.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU was based on an actual case and when the movie was first released it got a lot of press because of this. The film was a moderate box office success and it helped build that ladder, which would make Cage a star over the next couple of years. There's no question that the film is rather light entertainment but at the same time there's no denying that all three leads are wonderfully good in their roles.
The point of this movie was to be romantic and there's no question that happens very easily. I think the Perez character is such a dirty and mean person that it really makes the Cage and Fonda characters seem all the more charming and that credit has to go to the stars. Cage and Fonda have some wonderful chemistry together and there's no doubt that they really do light up the screen. When they smile at each other you really do feel as if there's a spark there. As for Perez, she's simply perfect in that way that only she can be.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU is certainly very predictable and there's no doubt that it's not a hard-hitting drama that takes a look at greed. The film wasn't meant to be that as it simple wanted to tell a cute story and it does that very well.
*** (out of 4)
Nicolas Cage plays a poor cop who doesn't have enough money to leave a tip for a poor waitress (Bridget Fonda) but he promises to split his lottery winnings if he should happen to win. Sure enough he does win and he keeps his word to the waitress but before long his wife (Rosie Perez) leaves him and wants all the money.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU was based on an actual case and when the movie was first released it got a lot of press because of this. The film was a moderate box office success and it helped build that ladder, which would make Cage a star over the next couple of years. There's no question that the film is rather light entertainment but at the same time there's no denying that all three leads are wonderfully good in their roles.
The point of this movie was to be romantic and there's no question that happens very easily. I think the Perez character is such a dirty and mean person that it really makes the Cage and Fonda characters seem all the more charming and that credit has to go to the stars. Cage and Fonda have some wonderful chemistry together and there's no doubt that they really do light up the screen. When they smile at each other you really do feel as if there's a spark there. As for Perez, she's simply perfect in that way that only she can be.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU is certainly very predictable and there's no doubt that it's not a hard-hitting drama that takes a look at greed. The film wasn't meant to be that as it simple wanted to tell a cute story and it does that very well.
This made me smile.
donaldsonramsay10 August 2022
I suffer from chronic depression. This film appeared on my Netflix today. It cheered me up a bit.
No CGI no super heroes. Just a nice Capra esque film with genuinely nice characters to root for. I see some people sniping at this movie for being too nice. There was a time that was a major selling point. Sadly not the case these days.
No CGI no super heroes. Just a nice Capra esque film with genuinely nice characters to root for. I see some people sniping at this movie for being too nice. There was a time that was a major selling point. Sadly not the case these days.
Cage and Fonda Deliver Nice Performances in This Nice Film.
tfrizzell6 July 2002
Heart-warming little comedy that uses old Hollywood tactics to tell a fairy tale story that works really well on the big screen. New York cop Nicolas Cage does not have a tip for diner waitress Bridget Fonda so promises to split his earnings if he wins the state's lottery. Amazingly he does win. His share is $4 million and true to his word he gives half to Fonda to wife's Rosie Perez's dismay. Perez is the boss in a loveless marriage. Cage and Fonda then start to fall in love with each other and Perez decides to divorce Cage just out of spite and try to get the entire $4 million for herself. A really beautiful romantic film that works due to quiet, but highly effective performances by Cage and Fonda. Perez steals every scene here and the film's good screenplay makes it a nice success. 4 stars out of 5.
One of my favorite movies of all time!
uscmd24 January 2013
Could be considered to have spoilers!!!!
Its not Hitchcock, great. Its not Casablanca or Gone with the wind, great. The cinematography is nothing special, nor is the acting. The characters are cartoonishly simplistic.
But the story is so special, so rich in the depiction of the poverty of the wife, and the riches of the waitress, even as she is filing bankruptcy. Brings tears to my eyes.
In the quotes section:
Yvonne Biasi: Because of me, you have nothing. Charlie Lang: Because of you, I have you.
And the ending, on both sides.......simply couldn't be better. So if you need a hug, this is the movie equivalent.
Its not Hitchcock, great. Its not Casablanca or Gone with the wind, great. The cinematography is nothing special, nor is the acting. The characters are cartoonishly simplistic.
But the story is so special, so rich in the depiction of the poverty of the wife, and the riches of the waitress, even as she is filing bankruptcy. Brings tears to my eyes.
In the quotes section:
Yvonne Biasi: Because of me, you have nothing. Charlie Lang: Because of you, I have you.
And the ending, on both sides.......simply couldn't be better. So if you need a hug, this is the movie equivalent.
Everything clicks for Nick in the Bronx
SimonJack22 October 2014
This movie was a box office hit when it came out in 1994. And for good reason. Everything gels perfectly in "It Could Happen to You." Start with a very good story, create an excellent script, choose the right cast members, and voilà! Of course, it's never that easy or automatic. To start with, for all its expertise in film-making, Hollywood often can't tell how a film will go over with the public. I wonder if the industry isn't so engrossed in its professional business (all aspects, from acting, directing, writing, stories, marketing, etc.), that it can't accurately read the public pulse. Many times, films that were supposed to be big hits have been big flops; while many more times, second string films score big with audiences.
While a film like "It Could Happen to You" may seem to be a safe bet, it doesn't fit solidly in a category that usually scores. It's not quite a "chick flick," and it's not a full fledged romantic comedy. It has some drama with a small amount of action. And, it is packed with morality and morals, however subdued they may seem. So, with all that, I'm betting that the producers smiled and breathed a sigh of relief when this one broke out of the gates and captured large audiences and a hefty box office take.
I won't give away any of the plot here. This is one that people should watch without knowing the key plot points. As I said, the story was excellent. It's about decency, kindness and generosity on one side, and greed, selfishness, and dishonesty on the other side. It's also among Nicolas Cage's best performances. This was before he developed a character person that pauses and looks confused. The rest of the cast excel as well. It's a very fun and fulfilling movie about a nice love story, made all the more so because it's encased in proper behavior. While this story is totally fictional, it might have been inspired by a real incident. In the 1980s, a New York cop and a waitress won $6 million on a lottery ticket that they split – each picking half the numbers.
While a film like "It Could Happen to You" may seem to be a safe bet, it doesn't fit solidly in a category that usually scores. It's not quite a "chick flick," and it's not a full fledged romantic comedy. It has some drama with a small amount of action. And, it is packed with morality and morals, however subdued they may seem. So, with all that, I'm betting that the producers smiled and breathed a sigh of relief when this one broke out of the gates and captured large audiences and a hefty box office take.
I won't give away any of the plot here. This is one that people should watch without knowing the key plot points. As I said, the story was excellent. It's about decency, kindness and generosity on one side, and greed, selfishness, and dishonesty on the other side. It's also among Nicolas Cage's best performances. This was before he developed a character person that pauses and looks confused. The rest of the cast excel as well. It's a very fun and fulfilling movie about a nice love story, made all the more so because it's encased in proper behavior. While this story is totally fictional, it might have been inspired by a real incident. In the 1980s, a New York cop and a waitress won $6 million on a lottery ticket that they split – each picking half the numbers.
Basic human decency.
michaelthompsonmcgill2 January 2011
On the face of it, "It could happen to you" could be regarded by cynics as a load of romantic slush, but it's far from that, and made even better because "It could happen to you" is based on a true story, and I, with my wife, enjoyed every minute of it.
To start with every time she and I think of Nicholas Cage this is the film that comes to mind, in fact in our view Nicholas Cage has done nothing to equal this wonderfully beautiful and just plain nice film, since.
Nicholas Cage could have been born a New York cop, because in this film he is the image of how I see the perfect cop, and this perfect cop goes through hell following a lottery win he promises to share with a waitress played by the wonderful Bridget Fonda even before he buys the ticket. Bridget Fonda excels as the hard working, hard done by Waitress whom Nicholas Cage meets up with in the cafe she works.
This film is a miniature "Its a wonderful life" because it gives people hope, and if tears aren't in your eyes at the end, then you are just not human.
To start with every time she and I think of Nicholas Cage this is the film that comes to mind, in fact in our view Nicholas Cage has done nothing to equal this wonderfully beautiful and just plain nice film, since.
Nicholas Cage could have been born a New York cop, because in this film he is the image of how I see the perfect cop, and this perfect cop goes through hell following a lottery win he promises to share with a waitress played by the wonderful Bridget Fonda even before he buys the ticket. Bridget Fonda excels as the hard working, hard done by Waitress whom Nicholas Cage meets up with in the cafe she works.
This film is a miniature "Its a wonderful life" because it gives people hope, and if tears aren't in your eyes at the end, then you are just not human.
Sweet
Before20206 July 2022
OK
you can finally drop your ugly Hollywood 'baggage' right here.
Missileman127 November 2005
If you haven't seen the film, just grab a Pepsi out of the 'fridge, pop up some Jolly Time with a little real butter (the kind that lets you hear your arteries harden you'll live), and take a good look at Andy Bergman and Jane Anderson's little masterpiece. You'll find the Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda you've always been looking for and never thought you'd see together. Way beyond that, but amazingly from the get-go and right in front of your very eyes you'll begin to discover a good part of your heart in the process. You know, that part that guys don't like to talk about and women always do? This cynical man certainly did
'Feel good' movie? you better believe it. But don't shy away or you'll miss being human. All the 'good stuff' you ever imagined yet knew ahead-of-time is in this little caper: great plot, great story line, great acting great film. And just the right amount of the right musical score. The trick is (and believe me, it's no trick at all) to put yourself in their shoes: as others have said, what would 'you' do with 2 million dollars that fell into your lap? You'll be thinking so hard you can miss the magic. Don't let that happen
Years ago, as my flight instructor used to say after GUMP (gear, undercarriage, mixture, prop) and right before landing, ' just fly the plane, Bob.'
Just watch the movie. Your own three-point landing will work itself out and, your arteries will soften
8/10
'Feel good' movie? you better believe it. But don't shy away or you'll miss being human. All the 'good stuff' you ever imagined yet knew ahead-of-time is in this little caper: great plot, great story line, great acting great film. And just the right amount of the right musical score. The trick is (and believe me, it's no trick at all) to put yourself in their shoes: as others have said, what would 'you' do with 2 million dollars that fell into your lap? You'll be thinking so hard you can miss the magic. Don't let that happen
Years ago, as my flight instructor used to say after GUMP (gear, undercarriage, mixture, prop) and right before landing, ' just fly the plane, Bob.'
Just watch the movie. Your own three-point landing will work itself out and, your arteries will soften
8/10
Why Good Things Occasionally Happen To Good People
theowinthrop28 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
In 1954 Garson Kanin, George Cukor, and Judy Holliday made a delightful comedy/social satire called IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU, regarding the difference between earned fame and celebrity in mid-century New York City. Four decades later the issues of celebrity and it's pitfalls were returned to in this similarly titled film starring Nicholas Cage, Bridget Fonda, Rosie Perez, and Isaac Hayes. Again a comedy, IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU is not about how fake celebrity is quickly achieved (as Holliday does it by renting a billboard and plastering her name and face on it for all New York to see), but how rival agendas can cross and fight over the rights to that celebrity.
Cage is a good natured cop in New York City in 1994. He is, unfortunately for himself, married to Perez who is apparently a fun loving decent wife (and a hair dresser). Cage has purchased a lottery ticket at Perez's insistent (she's always gambling), and he goes to his favorite diner for dinner. Fonda is a waitress there, and despite salary (and tips) has just filed for bankruptcy. Cage is about to leave the diner after eating, but has no money as a tip - so he leaves half of the lottery ticket as a tip for her (he thinks there is no harm in it). Unfortunately that ticket wins a four million dollar prize, and half of that is two million. Cage and Fonda are both quite happy with this, as Fonda now can avoid being bankrupt, and can settle her debts. Perez at first is happy too, but greed slowly surfaces in her personality. She always was more forceful than Cage was, but now she sees a chance to shine in high society. And soon this begins to mingle with a growing jealousy of just how friendly Cage and Fonda are (or is Perez actually building up grounds to push Cage away from that huge sum of money too). Watching over this is Hayes, as one of moviedom's angels among us. He is narrating the story, and acts as a final kind of deus ex ma-china towards the end to settle the tale.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU is a fantasy - unless you do believe in angels like Hayes (and why shouldn't you?). All the performers are good, in particular Perez who probably got her signature role as the selfish, pretentious wife here. While IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU had more social criticism in it (after all, how many people win lotteries), this is a fitting follow up comedy.
Now if only some clever script writer could write a third comedy called IT WOULD HAPPEN TO YOU!
Cage is a good natured cop in New York City in 1994. He is, unfortunately for himself, married to Perez who is apparently a fun loving decent wife (and a hair dresser). Cage has purchased a lottery ticket at Perez's insistent (she's always gambling), and he goes to his favorite diner for dinner. Fonda is a waitress there, and despite salary (and tips) has just filed for bankruptcy. Cage is about to leave the diner after eating, but has no money as a tip - so he leaves half of the lottery ticket as a tip for her (he thinks there is no harm in it). Unfortunately that ticket wins a four million dollar prize, and half of that is two million. Cage and Fonda are both quite happy with this, as Fonda now can avoid being bankrupt, and can settle her debts. Perez at first is happy too, but greed slowly surfaces in her personality. She always was more forceful than Cage was, but now she sees a chance to shine in high society. And soon this begins to mingle with a growing jealousy of just how friendly Cage and Fonda are (or is Perez actually building up grounds to push Cage away from that huge sum of money too). Watching over this is Hayes, as one of moviedom's angels among us. He is narrating the story, and acts as a final kind of deus ex ma-china towards the end to settle the tale.
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU is a fantasy - unless you do believe in angels like Hayes (and why shouldn't you?). All the performers are good, in particular Perez who probably got her signature role as the selfish, pretentious wife here. While IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU had more social criticism in it (after all, how many people win lotteries), this is a fitting follow up comedy.
Now if only some clever script writer could write a third comedy called IT WOULD HAPPEN TO YOU!
Good one
sagitario11 March 2002
I have seen this movie some time ago, and I really enjoyed it. It`s simple, nice, romantic, at times sad, and isn't that what life's about? Things and circumstances change, but the personality should remain, and the hope also. It shows a straightforward cop, a nice waitress and a posesive and nasty wife. I liked the story, I liked the acting of Cage and the lovely Bridget Fonda. She's cute. Good movie, I recommend it. See ya around.
Heart-Warming Romance Movie
t-d-t-m8224 January 2023
It's a really nice romantic storyline. It has glorious life-lessons. Don't chase money. Chase happiness. Oddly it's set in one of the most capitalistic cities in the universe.
Cage is fantastic. He's not his typical action-hero role but he's a deep emotional person trying to survive as a NYC PD with BAGGAGE as a wife.
His partner is excellent too. Wendell Pierce in an early movie and showing his promise as a Hollywood heavyweight.
Bridget Fonda steals the show. Her acting and grace and cinematic elegance leaves you wanting more. The romance sequences are utterly charming and charismatic.
This film shows to do good deeds and good charity. You will be rewarded in kind. It's an important message for anyone and something which is not done enough in today's aggressive capitalistic markets.
The camera work is great. Loads of close-ups and shock expressionism. I really like the direction. Excellent pace. Lovely romantic score too. Great film. Really underrated. 9/10. A classy romantic number.
Cage is fantastic. He's not his typical action-hero role but he's a deep emotional person trying to survive as a NYC PD with BAGGAGE as a wife.
His partner is excellent too. Wendell Pierce in an early movie and showing his promise as a Hollywood heavyweight.
Bridget Fonda steals the show. Her acting and grace and cinematic elegance leaves you wanting more. The romance sequences are utterly charming and charismatic.
This film shows to do good deeds and good charity. You will be rewarded in kind. It's an important message for anyone and something which is not done enough in today's aggressive capitalistic markets.
The camera work is great. Loads of close-ups and shock expressionism. I really like the direction. Excellent pace. Lovely romantic score too. Great film. Really underrated. 9/10. A classy romantic number.
This awesome romantic comedy is another excellent Nicolas Cage film!
nims-197521 September 2018
It Could Happen to You is an absolutely brilliant romantic comedy with excellent acting by Nicolas Cage as Charlie Lang, Bridget Fonda as Yvonne Biasi, Rosie Perez as Muriel Lang, Wendell Pierce as Bo Williams and Isaac Hayes as Angel Dupree. This film was an enjoyable film to watch and which I loved watching. Nicolas Cage acted in some excellent films such as Raising Arizona, Face/Off, Next, Con Air, Gone in Sixty Seconds etc and he has proved to people that he is an absolutely brilliant actor. It Could Happen to You was also a comedy that was not cheesy or crap, it was an awesome romantic comedy which featured a great cast. Nicolas Cage is a handsome man and in this film he looked very handsome as Charlie Lang and Bridget Fonda looked very beautiful as Yvonne Biasi. Rosie Perez did some great acting as Muriel Lang, but I hated her character because she was unlikeable person who was evil. This film defintely should have been given a higher score than just 6.3 out of 10.
It Could Happen to Cage.
anaconda-4065830 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
It Could Happen to You (1994): Dir: Andrew Bergman / Cast: Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda, Rosie Perez, Seymour Cassel, Isaac Hayes: Enjoyable romantic comedy about sudden change within a routine lifestyle. It stars Nicolas Cage as a cop who is devoted to serving others. Bridget Fonda plays a waitress struggling to make a living. The plot regards a lottery ticket Cage promises to split with Fonda if he wins. His wife will take him to court for his generosity. Interesting concept subdued by formula and an ill handling of adultery. Directed by Andrew Bergman with the same theme of chance conduct in his The Freshman and Honeymoon in Vegas. Cage and Fonda are likable actors who survive material where they become consumed in romantic clichés where it seems as if their relationship makes it okay for adultery. With the negative survival rate of marriages today it might be refreshing to see one actually portrayed as salvageable within motion pictures. On the flip side Rosie Perez as Cage's materialistic wife is a steal in her vindictive methods that eventually defeat her. Seymour Cassel has a standout role as someone who eventually stoops lower by overtaking the selfish. Isaac Hayes plays a poor man who becomes the ticket to happiness when generosity is demonstrated. It isn't a big role but it serves its purpose well. Theme regards giving, which the lottery cannot buy. Score: 7 / 10
Modern-Day Capra
PredragReviews10 April 2016
The actual story behind the highly fictionalized movie script could have made a really good movie. According to the urban legend website "Snopes", the real events involved a not-so-young waitress and a not-so-young police detective who together select the winning numbers to a $6 million jackpot. There was no hint of romance between the two. But that would be too open-ended for the cookie cutter mentalities behind this movie. They must have went into a conference room or a lunch room or a diner and derived this formulaic romance between two unhappily married people.
Their result was this plot bringing together a Prince Charming, a Cinderella, a the Wicked Witch of New York. But they forget to include a nice dramatic flow of events. I just didn't experience any peaks and very little emotional depth. In the end, I wasn't satisfied.
At least Nicholas Cage makes the most of the opportunity to be normal and charming rather than quirky and charming (one of his first such efforts). He gives the movie whatever depth it attains. Pretty Bridge Fonda gives her usual quiet, unexciting performance. They're responsible for most of the positive rating I give this movie.
Rosie Perez, unfortunately, overwhelms the entire proceedings with nasally witchiness. And that's not the memory I want to take away from a movie.
Overall, it is a decent movie, a nice romantic comedy that ends "happily ever after." This is a story to watch to put someone in a good mood.... it's just basically a very good movie... and it's worth watching.
Overall rating: 6 out of 10.
Their result was this plot bringing together a Prince Charming, a Cinderella, a the Wicked Witch of New York. But they forget to include a nice dramatic flow of events. I just didn't experience any peaks and very little emotional depth. In the end, I wasn't satisfied.
At least Nicholas Cage makes the most of the opportunity to be normal and charming rather than quirky and charming (one of his first such efforts). He gives the movie whatever depth it attains. Pretty Bridge Fonda gives her usual quiet, unexciting performance. They're responsible for most of the positive rating I give this movie.
Rosie Perez, unfortunately, overwhelms the entire proceedings with nasally witchiness. And that's not the memory I want to take away from a movie.
Overall, it is a decent movie, a nice romantic comedy that ends "happily ever after." This is a story to watch to put someone in a good mood.... it's just basically a very good movie... and it's worth watching.
Overall rating: 6 out of 10.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews