Happy Accidents MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3

For entertainment, comfort and laughs, Ruby Weaver (Marisa Tomei) and her other single girl friends share the details of their mostly miserable dating life in New York City. After Ruby meets Sam Deed (Vincent D'Onofrio), seemingly by accident, her friends' stories pale in comparison. Sam says he is from Dubuque, Iowa, but talks about it being on the East Coast. He claims to be a music lover who likes to dance, but the only music in his collection is a polka. After a series of weird incidents, Ruby isn't sure whether Sam is really an adventurous "back traveler" from the year 2470, as he claims, or a charming mental patient. Should she follow her heart or her therapist (Holland Taylor), who advises Ruby to get out of the relationship immediately? HAPPY ACCIDENTS cleverly blends science fiction with romantic comedy while teasing your mind with its bizarre twists and turns.

Ruby and her friends openly share details about their love affairs, or lack thereof. The exchange that draws the biggest laughs is a Jewish girl's boyfriend asking her in the heat of passion if she has been saved. They joke about quizzing prospective dates to make sure they aren't "Jesus freaks." Sam and Ruby become sexually involved after their first date, and he soon moves in with her. One friend, listening to Ruby's doubts about Sam's true character, remarks, "Who cares as long as the sex is good?" In a coffee shop, Ruby allows Sam to run his hand up her leg in a very sensuous manner. Friends loosen Sam's tongue about his mysterious life at a beach party where they all drink heavily and smoke marijuana. Back travelers, according to Sam, reverse themselves by re-entering their mothers' wombs. Also, by 2470 he says religion no longer exists, although Sam believes there is a "force" or God. Sam clearly loves Ruby and believes his mission is to change the past and save her life. Woven into the dialogue are 23 obscenities and four regular profanities. HAPPY ACCIDENTS crashes in its sad disrespect for religion, promiscuous life styles and foul language.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: IFC Films, 2 Park Ave., 11th Flr, New York, NY 10016