The neon glow of Manhattan bleeds into the rain-slicked streets, reflecting the desperate ambition in the eyes of Jabez Stone. A struggling writer, drowning in rejection letters and cheap whiskey, Jabez watches as his friend Julius Jenson, suddenly successful, flaunts a book deal that reeks of literary Faustian bargain. “I’d sell my soul for that,” Jabez drunkenly proclaims into the night, words that echo a little too loudly in the city’s hungry silence. Then she arrives, a vision in red, her smile sharp as a shard of glass – The Devil, incarnate as a bewitching Jennifer Love Hewitt. A deal is struck, sealed not with ink but with a drop of blood, and suddenly Jabez is living the dream. But the books, panned by critics, are bestsellers, the penthouse feels like a gilded cage, and the laughter of old friends like Amy Poehler’s Molly Gilchrest, now sounds like a distant, fading song. The weight of success threatens to crush him, until he finds a sliver of hope in the calm, wise eyes of Daniel Webster, a man who knows a thing or two about making deals with devils.
Movie Overview
| Title | Shortcut to Happiness |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 2003-07-13 |
| Runtime | 106 minutes |
| Genre | Fantasy, Comedy, Drama |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Jennifer Love Hewitt | The Devil |
| Alec Baldwin | Jabez Stone |
| Anthony Hopkins | Daniel Webster |
| Dan Aykroyd | Julius Jenson |
| Kim Cattrall | Constance Hurry |
| Gregg Bello | Rick Fusco |
| Frank Sivero | Luigi |
| John Savage | Johnny |
| Al Palagonia | Anthony |
| Jason Patric | Ray |
| Ken Murton | Daniel’s Agent |
| Kevin Olson | Tommy Anderson |
| Jonathon Gentry | Marlon |
| Canedy Knowles | Webster’s Assistant |
| Philippe Vonlanthen | Philippe |
| Marni Lustig | Jabez’s Normal Woman |
| Katherine O’Sullivan | Charlotte Bronte (court scene) |
| Mike Doyle | Luke |
| Bobby Cannavale | Cop |
| Herb Klinger | Waiter at Elaine’s |
| Virl Andrick | Dick |
| Ray Aranha | Mailman |
| Kaniel Arocho | Skateboard Kid #1 |
| Jorge Arocho | Skateboard Kid #2 |
| Howard Atlee | Award Audience Man |
| Mary Ashton | Production Assistant |
| Jann Carl | Self |
| Antonio Cornacchione | Security Guard |
| Bill Corsair | Aging Writer |
| Grenville Cuyler | Taxi Hailer |
| Amy Poehler | Molly Gilchrest |
| Rohan Quine | Nazi Officer |
| Ken Page | Clerk |
| Sue Simmons | Self |
| Kathrina Miccio | Mary |
| Karen Ziemba | Mrs. Miller |
| Kim Zimmer | Patty |
| Barry Miller | Mike Weiss |
| Marni Lustig | ‘Normal’ Woman |
| Peter Maloney | John Hardy |
| Terrence Mann | Art Dealer |
| Gustave Johnson | Cab Driver |
| John Hines | Bob Miller |
| Carrot Top | Himself |
| Paul Stolarsky | Old Man |
| Jack Ferver | Jabez’s Assistant |
Storyline
In the bustling, unforgiving literary world of Manhattan, struggling writer Jabez Stone, portrayed by Alec Baldwin, claws for recognition, drowning in rejection slips and overshadowed by the success of his friend Julius Jenson (Dan Aykroyd). Consumed by envy, Jabez recklessly declares he would sell his soul for literary fame. Enter the charismatic yet unsettling Jennifer Love Hewitt as the Devil, appearing to Jabez after he accidentally dispatches his nagging landlady with his typewriter, a bizarre incident swiftly erased by her intervention. A contract is signed in blood, and Jabez’s fortunes reverse overnight; his awful prose inexplicably becomes critically acclaimed, landing him wealth, lavish parties, and the attention of captivating women, including the charming Constance Hurry (Kim Cattrall). However, the supernatural success comes at a steep price: Jabez becomes alienated from his friends, losing his artistic integrity and slowly realizing the emptiness of his soulless fame. Desperate to escape the infernal bargain, Jabez seeks the help of the shrewd lawyer Daniel Webster (Anthony Hopkins), initiating a dramatic courtroom battle where the fate of Jabez’s soul hangs in the balance, forcing him to confront the true cost of his ambition and determine if happiness can be found even without a shortcut.
Details
In the fantastical comedy-drama, “Shortcut to Happiness”, set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s literary scene, struggling writer Jabez Stone, portrayed by Alec Baldwin, finds himself consumed by envy when his friend Julius Jenson, played by Dan Aykroyd, achieves overnight success. Jabez, desperate for recognition, jokingly pledges his soul to the devil for literary fame. Soon after, a charismatic and alluring Devil, embodied by Jennifer Love Hewitt, appears, offering Jabez a Faustian bargain. He signs a contract, and immediately his writing, though critically panned, becomes wildly popular, bringing him wealth and acclaim. However, Jabez’s newfound success comes at a cost: he loses touch with his friends, becomes morally compromised, and discovers the emptiness of his manufactured talent. Seeking a way out of his diabolical deal, Jabez enlists the help of the esteemed publisher, Daniel Webster, played by Anthony Hopkins. Webster becomes Jabez’s unlikely advocate, challenging the Devil in a climactic courtroom showdown where Jabez must confront the true value of his soul and the sacrifices he’s made for fleeting glory. The film explores themes of ambition, the price of success, and the importance of integrity, questioning whether true happiness can be found through shortcuts or if it must be earned through genuine effort. Constance Hurry, played by Kim Cattrall, adds to the film as a character Jabez pursues.
FAQs
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What is the movie “Shortcut to Happiness” about?
It’s a fantasy comedy-drama about an aspiring writer, Jabez Stone, who sells his soul to the devil for success. He achieves fame and fortune but realizes the cost of his deal and seeks to break the contract.
Who are the main actors in “Shortcut to Happiness”?
The main cast includes Alec Baldwin as Jabez Stone, Jennifer Love Hewitt as The Devil, and Anthony Hopkins as Daniel Webster.
What genres does “Shortcut to Happiness” belong to?
The movie falls into the genres of Fantasy, Comedy, and Drama.
When was “Shortcut to Happiness” released?
The movie was released on July 13, 2003.
What is the runtime of “Shortcut to Happiness”?
The movie has a runtime of 106 minutes.
Who directed “Shortcut to Happiness”?
Alec Baldwin directed the movie “Shortcut to Happiness”.
Is “Shortcut to Happiness” based on a story?
Yes, it is based on a story by Stephen Vincent Benet.
What is the tagline for “Shortcut to Happiness”?
The tagline is “The devil is in the details.”
What production company was involved in “Shortcut to Happiness”?
Yari Film Group was one of the production companies.
What is the IMDb ID for “Shortcut to Happiness”?
The IMDb ID is tt0263265.
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