Related Resources • Top Picks - Date Movies • Movie Reviews • Nicolas Cage Resources

This Week's Selection: "IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU"

I was channel surfing and "It Could Happen to You" caught my attention. Even though I've seen this film a dozen times, I had to watch it once again. This is one of the sweetest tales of love and generosity around.

"It Could Happen to You" was released back in 1994. Nicolas Cage was already a popular actor, having starred in more than 15 films, including "Raising Arizona" (one of my favorite comedies) and "Honeymoon in Vegas," by the time this film was released. Bridget Fonda was hot off of her starring role in "Point of No Return." "It Could Happen to You" showcases both actors romantic qualities - and both turn in wonderful performances.

The film tells the story of a New York cop with a heart of gold. Charlie Lang (Cage) doesn't have enough money left after eating to tip his waitress, Yvonne (Fonda), so he makes a deal with her. He offers to give her half of whatever he might win by playing the lottery. Yvonne believes she's just lost out on a tip - but fate has something different in store.

Charlie's ticket wins big, and his newly rich - but always obnoxious - wife, Muriel (Rosie Perez) doesn't want to share the wealth with a waitress. Charlie feels he must live up to his promise, and Muriel finally agrees after Charlie convinces her that she will come out looking like a generous, caring person if she shares the winnings.

Yvonne and Charlie find themselves drawn to each other. They each possess large hearts and tons of compassion for the less fortunate. Things get even more complicated as Muriel and Charlie separate, and Muriel pursues legal channels to get the money back from Yvonne. Muriel claims the numbers on the ticket were all her doing, and that Charlie isn't entitled to give away her money. Adding to the whole mess is Yvonne's ex who wants his share, even though they haven't been together in quite awhile.

"It Could Happen to You" is a warm-hearted film, with great acting and an uplifting storyline. I highly recommend it as a way to fill a few hours, while capturing that warm and fuzzy feeling all over.

Director: Andrew Bergman
Screenplay By: Jane Anderson
Producer: Mike Lobell
Cinematographer: Caleb Deschanel
Film Editor: Barry Malkin
Production Designer: Bill Groom
Original Music By: Carter Burwell and Joe Mulherin

Charlie Lang - Nicolas Cage
Yvonne Biasi - Bridget Fonda
Muriel Lang - Rosie Perez
Bo Williams - Wendell Pierce
Angel - Isaac Hayes
Eddie Biasi - Stanley Tucci

Interested in purchasing "It Could Happen To You?"