Twist of fate leads to tale of romance

There is an immediate spark of attraction, but both of them are currently involved in other relationships.

Jonathan asks for Sara's number, but she is reluctant to oblige, and makes a bizarre suggestion.

She will write her name and telephone number on the inside cover of Jonathan's favourite book, which she will leave in one of the city's second-hand book stores.

He will write his name and telephone number on a five dollar bill, which he will use to pay for a magazine at one of the various newspaper kiosks.

If fate truly has romantic designs on them, then somehow the book and the five dollar bill will find their way back into the pair's lives. If only it were that simple.

Serendipity demands two leaps of faith to accept that two beautiful people would wager their hearts on a billion-to-one chance, and that the most outrageous twists of good fortune will eventually reunite them.

Screenwriter Marc Klein paints the characters of Jonathan and Sara in broad strokes. We don't really know a great deal about their personalities, or what drives them.

More importantly, there's little discussion of the most obvious moral dilemma. Should they be chasing their New York dreams on the eve of their respective weddings?

Cusack wears his gregarious everyman role like a favourite overcoat the character is not a great stretch but the actor's natural charm and charisma shine through.

Beckinsale is luminous and imbues Sara with humour and intelligence. Together, they make an appealing screen couple, although there is a tangible lack of screen chemistry and sexual tension.

New York City plays an important role in the fabric of the film, and Chelsom and cinematographer John De Borman use many famous landmarks as backdrops.

Serendipity is a spectacular valentine to one of America's most vibrant cities but as a love story of our time, it is merely adequate.

Rating: 5 out of 10