Watch It Could Happen to You

It Could Happen to You is a heartwarming romantic comedy from 1994 starring Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda, and Rosie Perez. The story follows Charlie Lang (Cage), a New York City cop who finds himself in a bind when he's unable to tip his waitress Yvonne (Perez) at the diner where he eats every day due to a lack of cash. Instead, he promises her half his potential winnings from the lottery ticket he's just bought, as a tip. Much to his surprise, his numbers come up and he wins millions of dollars, honouring his promise to Yvonne and giving her half of the winnings. This act of kindness becomes the talk of the town, but it also puts a strain on Charlie's marriage to Muriel (Fonda), who becomes increasingly jealous of Yvonne's seemingly newfound wealth and influence in their lives.

As Charlie and Yvonne navigate the repercussions of their newfound fortune, they develop a close friendship that begins to blossom into something more. Meanwhile, Muriel's obsession with wealth and status threatens to tear apart her marriage and her relationship with her young son.

The film is a touching portrayal of the power of kindness and the unexpected circumstances life can bring. At its core, it's a story about the choices we make, and the impact they can have on the people around us. Cage shines as the affable and slightly naive Charlie, who's both humble and honest, while Fonda is surprisingly sympathetic as the materialistic Muriel, who's desperate to keep up with her high-society friends. Perez is also a standout as Yvonne, whose tough exterior belies a heart of gold.

The film takes place against the backdrop of 1990's New York City, with its chaotic streets, colourful characters, and the ever-present feeling that anything could happen at any moment. The city becomes almost a character in itself, with the diverse neighbourhoods and bustling energy adding to the film's charm.

As Charlie and Yvonne's relationship deepens, they face numerous obstacles, from the public scrutiny of their unusual arrangement, to Muriel's growing resentment and insecurity. The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and personal growth, as both Charlie and Yvonne learn to navigate their new lives and each other.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie takes place at a Yankees baseball game, where Charlie and Yvonne are treated like celebrities after their story makes the news. The scene is a testament to the film's overall message of the power of kindness, as strangers in the crowd offer to buy them drinks and take pictures with them.

Despite its lighthearted tone, the film still deals with serious issues, such as the role of money in relationships, the social stigma associated with being poor, and the importance of finding happiness in life. Ultimately, It Could Happen to You is a feel-good movie that serves as a reminder that sometimes the most profound moments in life happen when we least expect them.

It Could Happen to You is a 1994 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 64.