Nicolas Cage steps into the shoes of Charlie Lang, a tender-hearted police officer wed to Rosie Perez's Muriel, an unsettled hairdresser with lofty aspirations that surpass Charlie's humble means. The film intricately weaves the lives of Charlie and a downtrodden diner waitress, Yvonne Biasi, played by Bridget Fonda, in a tale where chance, love, and charity become the guiding forces.

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The narrative unfolds as Yvonne, grappling with financial woes and spousal mistreatment, crosses paths with Charlie in a serendipitous encounter. A promised tip and the whims of fate lead to a lottery win for Charlie, triggering a cascade of events that unravels the fabric of his marriage to Muriel.

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Cage delivers a nuanced performance, portraying Charlie's subdued happiness and eventual turmoil as Muriel navigates their newfound wealth one luxurious purchase after another. Fonda brings depth to Yvonne, a character at the intersection of financial despair and newfound possibilities.

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The film cleverly explores themes of charity and companionship as Charlie and Yvonne embark on a journey of friendship and goodwill. Their well-publicized acts of kindness become the focal point, raising the ire of Muriel, who seeks a divorce in the wake of their growing connection.

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Storytelling finesse shines through in scenes at The Plaza, where chance aligns Charlie and Yvonne for a night that alters the course of their lives. The subsequent legal battle over Charlie's and Yvonne's shares of the lottery winnings becomes a gripping courtroom drama, pitting the conniving Muriel against Charlie's fervent fight to protect Yvonne.

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In the poignant third act, Cage's Charlie, undeterred by financial losses, stands by Yvonne's side, emphasizing that love holds more value than monetary success. The bittersweet acceptance of their situation is palpable as they find solace in each other amidst the tabloid chaos.

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"It Could Happen to You" stands as a testament to the triumph of love and charity over the allure of wealth. The city becomes a silent yet powerful character, rallying behind "the cop and the waitress" in their journey from the depths of despair to a heartwarming redemption. In this tale of chance encounters and unforeseen consequences, stellar performances elevate the film beyond a mere romantic drama, making it a captivating exploration of the human spirit.

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