“It Could Happen to You” is a heartwarming jackpot of charm, reminding us that sometimes a generous spirit and open heart is a winning combo.
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IN THIS CORNER: KELLY MINTZER
The Lowdown
On this point, I would like to be clear: I mostly liked It Could Happen to You. I first saw it when it was released as a VHS rental approximately 700 years ago, and I thought it was cute then. I still think it’s cute now. Cultural context makes me reassess it a bit. Still, overall, it’s a pretty cute little movie.
The film has a relatively simple concept. Unrealistically decent cop Nic Cage doesn’t have the money to tip his waitress and offers him half of his lotto winnings, should he hit it big. Of course, we know, narratively, he must win, and he must split it. He’s an aggressively good egg, so there’s never any doubt that he will honor his word despite his wife Rosie Perez’s objections.
It’s a relatively simple concept loosely inspired by actual events that never strays too far from its basic “nice people have nice things happening to them” premise.
As an adult, I am somewhat troubled by the whole “the white people are the nice people, and Rosie Perez is sort of a selfish prick” bit, but what are you gonna do? It was 1994.
It’s all, of course, a little too neat and a little too pat.
With that said, if you’re feeling sort of shitty and just want a pleasant little trifle of a movie? You can’t do much better. Bridget Fonda is charming, and truly, Nic Cage has never been cuter.
Don’t expect any grand surprises, but sometimes it’s ok to say, “Who cares?” and just go along for the ride.
The Cage Factor:
I’m going with Cautious Cage only because the movie is pretty insubstantial. As for Cage, however, this is as dreamy as he gets for me. He’s been hunkier; he’s been cast as more of a dreamboat. But this cutie pie? That’s my guy.
AND IN THIS CORNER: STEPHANIE MALONE
The Lowdown
It Could Happen to You is a charming slice of cinematic comfort food that proves sometimes, nice guys do finish first — especially when Lady Luck decides to play matchmaker.
At the heart of this feel-good fairy tale is Nicolas Cage, trading in his usual brand of manic energy for a refreshingly understated turn as Charlie, the world’s most generous and genuine police officer. Cage anchors the film with a performance so sincere that you’ll want to reach through the screen and give him a hug. He’s a pillar of integrity and moral fortitude, without an ounce of pretense or pomposity.
As struggling waitress Yvonne, Fonda exudes a warmth and vulnerability that makes you root for her from the moment she appears on screen. The chemistry between Cage and Fonda is as palpable as the steam rising from a fresh cup of Diner coffee.
Their relationship unfolds with a gentle authenticity that feels earned, not forced. You can practically see the sparks fly as these two good-hearted souls gradually realize they’ve hit the jackpot in more ways than one.
The film’s humor is as light and fluffy as a stack of pancakes, but that’s not a criticism. Rather than relying on slapstick or crude jokes, the comedy arises naturally from the characters and situations. It’s the kind of gentle humor that leaves you with a smile on your face.
The premise of a good-hearted man sharing his newfound wealth taps into our collective daydreams, making the film universally appealing.
In conclusion, It Could Happen to You is a delightful romantic comedy that prioritizes warmth and simplicity over complexity. While it may not break new ground, its combination of strong performances (particularly from Cage and Fonda), gentle humor, and feel-good romance makes it a strong cinematic pick-me-up.
The Cage Factor:
Nicolas Cage’s performance in It Could Happen to You deserves special mention. It stands out as one of his more subdued and relatable roles, a reminder that beneath the wild-eyed intensity he’s known for lies an actor capable of conveying genuine warmth and sincerity. His portrayal of Charlie is elevated by understated charm, proving that sometimes, the quietest performances speak the loudest. It’s a testament to Cage’s versatility that he can dial back his trademark eccentricity to deliver a character who’s both utterly normal and impossibly kind.
I agree with my wonderful colleague, Kelly: This is Cage at his everyman dreamiest. It’s nearly impossible not to adore him. Everyone loves a sexy bad boy, but this cruel world needs more ordinary good men doing extraordinarily good things, free from cynicism or selfish desire.
Cage’s Charlie is a welcome reminder that there’s still some good in the world, and sometimes — once in a blue moon — that goodness gets rewarded.
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