“I told you I’d share my ticket. I never planned on sharing my heart.”

Justin’s rating: Ice cream for all!

Justin’s review: Every now and then, I need a one-and-done dose of romcom. Nothing extreme, no marathons, just a feel-good romance movie with likable people and a few laughs. Perhaps it’s for the emotional charge it delivers — a happy ending in the making that might make me happy vicariously. I probably shouldn’t overthink it.

Anyway, this month’s yearning for a romcom led me back to the ’90s for It Could Happen to You, a film I think I saw back then but not since. It’s not a particularly daring or creative film, but it does the job AND it’s got Isaac Hayes popping up in person every so often to narrate the tale.

In this film, Nicolas Cage plays Charlie, the kindest, bestest, most goodest of all the NYC cops there ever was. The only downside to his life is that he’s married to Muriel (Rose Perez), a superficial woman who clearly despises him.

So the hook here is that one day, Charlie doesn’t have enough money for a tip at a diner and offers the waitress Yvonne (Bridget Fonda) half whatever he wins on the lottery. And wouldn’t you know, he lands $4 million that night. Does he split the cash? He wouldn’t be the bestest, goodest cop in the world if he didn’t!

Because every review of this film has to mention it, here goes: This is famously based on a real story that happened between a cop and waitress in 1984. There was no romance between them, though. That part is pure Hollywood.

This situation sparks a whole lot of change in all their lives. Muriel wants all the cash, Yvonne buys the diner, Charlie keeps being supercop, and a romance begins to brew between two people who have a lot to overcome to make it happen. Let’s not forget that at the start both of them are married, which is a little bit of a hiccup for where the story wants to go. Sometimes romcoms focus on personality issues to keep people apart, but here it’s more a whole lot of life situations.

In the midst of their courtship — which they pretend very hard isn’t happening — the pair spread their kindness in a fairy tale-like fashion to other New Yorkers. They pay for everyone’s subway ride, open up a Major League Baseball stadium to kids for a game, and basically show others that generosity, not hoarding, is a path to happiness.

It’s not a Tom Hanks or Billy Crystal film, but It Could Happen to You still harnesses the power of New York City (in this case, Queens) for that rich, warm backdrop. It’s kind of that idealized NYC where everything is cozy, kids play baseball in the streets, Christmas lights are in the trees year-round, and it’s perpetually on the verge of autumn.

I’ll list one thing I like and one I don’t here. I think Nic Cage gives a fine romantic lead performance portraying the kind of character we almost never see anymore — someone with a strong moral compass and a desire to do right even when it’s hard. He’s a hero, in other words, and as cliché as he may come across, he’s still admirable. And he’s well-partnered with Yvonne, both becoming celebrities not because of their wealth but their actions.

The thing I don’t like? This romcom is lacking a good amount of “com” that could’ve taken it well above the ceiling of its mid-tier status. There really aren’t a lot of jokes but rather some amusing moments and a lot of character drama. Even Charlie’s partner, who’s supposed to be the comedic relief, can’t muster more than “brief whimsy.”

It’s not an overly funny movie, but it’s hard to watch this and not end up with a smile on your face from the sweet and hopeful vibes. Sometimes it’s simply nice to see human decency, charity, and — of course — true love prevail over greed and materialism that was already a plague in 1994 and has only gotten worse since then.

DnaError’s rating: Cage as cop makes lucky buck

DnaError’s review: I have a deep, dark secret. Even more secret then the time I used the girl’s bathroom in 4th grade. Even more dark then the unspoken love of chick folk rock. No, this is a secret I have kept buried and entombed until now.

I love It Could Happen To You.

“WHAT?!” you say. “This contradicts your manly tough-guy-geek persona! I am shocked and appalled.” Trust me, I know your pain. I keep telling myself, “Self, there is no conceivable reason why you should like this movie.” For one, it has Nicholas Cage in it, that dopey faced grease bag whom all free-loving people share an antipathy towards. Plus, Rose Perez and her amazing vocal cords appear, causing dogs all over the tri-state area to take notice.

Secondly, the plot is right out a junior screenwriter textbook. Guy, waitress, angry wife, Magical Black Man(tm), lotto ticket, and tuw wuv. Its shallow and simplistic and overly romantic and I.. just.. can’t… stop… watching.

I want to hate it. I’m sitting here, armed to the teeth with cynicism and sarcasm and popcorn. I am ready to destroy its romantic view of the world, but I can’t. The sheer sweetness and innocence of it makes me melt, like a chocolate bunny in the microwave. I can’t put my finger on it, but somehow this dopey-good hearted little movie found a crack in a bitter candy shell. I warm up. I smile. I become a puddly little goo of sissy juice. That’s it, a genuine sweet and sentimental flick. Goodhearted and charming and somehow able to make me break down and enjoy it. Damn you, ghost of Frank Carpa! Damn you!