It Could Happen to You
By Christie Cronan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Charming 1990s romcom has language, a little violence.

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What's the Story?
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU is a 1990s romantic comedy based on the true story of kind-hearted New York City cop Charlie Lang (Nicolas Cage), who makes a promise to evenly split his lottery ticket winnings with waitress Yvonne Biasi (Bridget Fonda) when he doesn't have enough money to leave a tip. When he actually wins -- to the tune of $4 million -- he sets out to keep his promise, despite his greedy wife, Muriel (Rosie Perez), and her scheme to take all of the money back. Charlie's and Yvonne's good hearts and lives intertwine with the sweet reminder that ultimately money doesn't buy happiness -- true love does.
Is It Any Good?
This charming 1990s romcom based on a true story is the epitome of a sweet, simple love story wrapped in a rags-to-riches dream come true. Developing genuine and relatable characters (the movie marks one of Perez' most memorable early roles) and building realistic chemistry between Cage and Fonda, It Could Happen to You encourages viewers to believe in true love, the importance of keeping your promises, and the idea that good things ultimately happen to good, kind-hearted people.
While It Could Happen to You is an enjoyable and good-natured romantic comedy overall, there's some dated racial and ethnic stereotyping, violence, and adult themes (including marital and divorce issues, along with a focus on gambling) that give this romcom a little edge. But despite some uneven supporting character portrayals, It Could Happen to You delivers on pacing, laughs, and feel-good moments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about It Could Happen to You's recurring theme of the importance of always keeping your promises. Is that a realistic or unrealistic expectation in life? Why is trustworthiness an important character strength? What other character strengths do characters demonstrate here?
The movie focuses on the excitement of winning the lottery and also the dangers of greed. Do you think that money can buy happiness? Why was it important for Charlie Lang to give away his winnings to others?
The movie is based on a real-life news story about a cop who split his lottery winnings with a waitress. Would you have kept your promise to evenly split a winning lottery ticket with a stranger? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 29, 1994
- On DVD or streaming: September 15, 2008
- Cast: Nicolas Cage , Bridget Fonda , Rosie Perez
- Director: Andrew Bergman
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Black actors, Latino actors
- Studio: TriStar Pictures
- Genre: Romance
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time: 97 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: mild language and a scene of cop action
- Last updated: April 19, 2024
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