New Cusack movie leaves viewers feeling fulfilled

It's about time for a good, uplifting movie to remind everyone of a world where love exists and can sweep you right off your feet. Who better to fulfill the task than John Cusack? Cusack plays practical Jonathan Trager in the light-hearted romantic comedy Serendipity. Trager is sensible until he meets Sara Thomas, played by Kate Beckinsale. Many males will be astonished to find their usually distraught and cynical hero, from movies such as High Fidelity and Being John Malkovich, acting like a sensitive and starry-eyed dreamer. But this does not mean the film is a "chick flick." The film is sparked with realistic conversations between friends, not to mention Saturday Night Live star Molly Shannon, who plays Thomas's best friend, Eve. Cusack reunites with Say Anything and Gross Pointe Blank costar Jeremy Piven, who plays Cusack's best man. Trager and Thomas have a chance meeting in Bloomingdales' during the busy Christmas season and spend an enchanted evening together around New York City's most romantic spots. Young and impetuous Thomas believes solely in fate and refuses to make contact with him again unless he finds a used book in which she has put her name and phone number, or if she runs across a five-dollar bill on which he put his name and phone number. As time elapses, each move on with their lives but keep the secret hope that one day fate would bring them together. The only problem is that both are engaged, and not to each other, and time is running out. This is a delightful comedy that leaves even lonely singles with a sense of fulfillment, hope and love. In a world that focuses on reality far too often, it's refreshing to remember a time when love was left up to chance and not the personal ads. The sweet and sugary plot is just what the doctor ordered to get viewers in the mood for the upcoming holiday season. Serendipity is now playing at Wynnsong Carmike 16, Regal Knoxville Center 10 and Halls Cinema 7. Rating: A