The Film
There's something endearing about
It Could Happen to You. Maybe it's because it gives you a glimmer of hope that kind people still exist. Maybe it's because this romantic comedy is based on a true story. Maybe it's because this film came out before Nicolas Cage's hair got completely ridiculous.
Any way you slice it, the story is fairly simple. Charlie Lang (Cage) is the nicest cop in New York City, and possibly on the planet. He's the type of guy that helps blind guys cross the street and plays stickball with the neighborhood kids. He's also the type of guy that promises half of his lottery winnings to a sweet, bankrupt waitress Yvonne (Bridget Fonda), and actually delivers. While all of this might sound like a dream come true, Charlie's shrew of a wife, Muriel (Rosie Perez), is throwing a wrench into her hubby's good deed -- as well as their marriage.
Cage brings a bit of his pre-action-hero crazy to the role of Charlie, Fonda is as cute as ever, and Perez is her usual spitfire. The film is well acted, but it's not all that believable, which isn't a huge surprise since Hollywood took a lot of liberties with the actual story. Not that a Hollywood ending is a bad thing, especially in the world of rom-com. Just check your brain at the door and enjoy this fun, lighthearted fare.
The Picture
Sure this is a fairy tale, but it doesn't have to look like one. Instead of bright colors, the 1.85:1 transfer has a cloudy haze, as if Vaseline was rubbed on the camera lens. It doesn't take away from the film's enjoyment, but don't expect the bright colors and sharp images that you get in your daily dose of high-def viewing. Still, it's the best that the film has ever looked -- and yes, I look almost every time it's on cable.
The Sound
Despite the TrueHD soundtrack, there is little to listen to here. The film is all about dialogue, with the tiny bit of action sticking close to the front speakers. Now that would be fine and forgivable, but overall, even that sound isn't very good. The audio appears muffled in some areas, making it a perfect match for the hazy video.
The Extras
Sony is dropping this '90s favorite on the same day as another romantic comedy,
Roxanne. Like that title, the studio must expect viewers to be mesmerized by the love, because they've opted not to include any special features. It is BD Live-enabled, although no content was available yet. It seems like they missed out on giving fans of this favorite a few extras, such as a piece on the real cop and waitress, Robert Cunningham and Phyllis Penzo.
Final Thoughts
It Could Happen to You is a cute, cuddy tale worthy of your Saturday afternoon date with the couch and cable TV. Owning it on Blu-ray is another story, though. The story is a gem for true fans of the genre, but this release won't leave Blu-ray fans feeling a whole lot of love.
Where to Buy:
Product Details
- Actors: Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda, Rosie Perez, Isaac Hayes, Seymour Cassel, Stanley Tucci, J.E. Freeman
- Director: Andrew Bergman
- Audio/Languages: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (English, French, Portuguese), Dolby Digital 5.1 (Spanish)
- Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish, Portuguese
- Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
- Region: A
- Number of Discs: 1
- Rating: PG
- Studio: Sony Home Entertainment
- Blu-ray Disc Release Date: May 5, 2009
- Run Time: 101 minutes
- List Price: $28.9
- Extras:
