Shortcut to Happiness (2003)

In the bustling literary tapestry of New York City, Jabez Stone (Alec Baldwin), a struggling writer with an unyielding ambition, finds himself stuck in a rut of disappointment. His dreams appear elusive, his novels unsellable, and his apartment depressingly dismal. Meanwhile, he faces a disheartening romantic life where success eludes him as constantly as it does in his writing career. The final blow comes when his best friend, Julius Jensen (Dan Aykroyd), boasts about his novel's success, selling it for a staggering sum to a renowned publisher. Jealousy and despair intertwine, leading Jabez down a path of desperation where he pledges to trade his soul to the devil in return for a taste of the fame and success that taunts him. Seizing the opportunity, the Devil (Jennifer Love Hewitt) materializes, miraculously resolves his predicaments, and seals a ten-year pact with the desolate writer. Soon, Jabez's once scorned novels transform into best-sellers, his bank account swells, and he basks in the glow of popularity, attracting women like moths to a flame. However, amidst the whirlwind of fame and fortune, Jabez discovers that the view from the top lacks the allure he once craved. His life becomes a dizzying blur, leaving him no time for those who once mattered. Desperate to escape the ironclad contract, he turns to publisher Daniel Webster (Sir Anthony Hopkins). Webster, a beacon of hope in Jabez's self-created darkness, offers him a lifeline - a chance to reverse his ill-fated deal with the devil. As the sand in the hourglass of his contract dwindles rapidly, Jabez must navigate the treacherous path of redemption, setting a thrilling race against time to save his mortal soul. 'Shortcut to Happiness' becomes an intoxicating journey of ambition, despair, and redemption, reminding us that the path to true success is seldom a shortcut.

Shortcut to Happiness is a comedy movie featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Shortcut to Happiness is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Crackle, FILMRISE, Freevee, Peacock, Peacock Premium, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV, Redbox, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV and VUDU Free and it's also available on fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy Shortcut to Happiness on Microsoft Store.