|
This ultimate, feel good movie, begins with the
audience meeting a pretty, yet lonely Chicago girl, Lucy (Sandra
Bullock), who sell tokens for the commuter trains. She has fallen
in love with a handsome man, Peter Callaghan (Peter Gallagher),
who passes her station every day, though she never has talked
to him. One day, when this handsome stranger is mugged and falls
unconscious onto the rails, she saves his life. When Lucy goes
to visit the comatose Peter in the hospital, the nurse introduces
her to Peter's family as his fiancee. When Lucy couldn't find
the strength within herself to tell them the truth, the family
lovingly embraces her and adopts her as a member of their family.
Peter's brother, Jack (Bill Pullman), is the only skeptical party,
but finds himself more and more attracted to Lucy, wanting her
for himself in the end. Lucy finds herself to be head over heels
in love with Jack, a sweet, soft-spoken man. But, what is she
going to do when Peter wakes up?
My favorite scene takes place between Peter (Gallagher)
and Lucy (Bullock) Gallagher, who has been in a coma for most
of the film, doesn't know that love- smitten Bullock claims they
are engaged. What transpires between Bullock and Gallagher, with
her family looking on, is a lot of fun.
The screenplay, by Daniel Sullivan & Fredric LeBow, is described
as a charming 1940's style romantic comedy, that is an excellent
example of how to perfectly blend comedy with romance, and a touch
of drama.
Director Jon Turteltaub does a great job keeping
the pacing and comic / romantic timing of the movie on course,
and works well with the talented cast to create this gem of an
uplifting film.
Sandra Bullock, since "Speed," seems
to have become America's sweetheart. With her large eyes, pretty
face, and great smile, Bullock is hard to NOT like, Bill Pullman
is likable as Gallagher's less handsome, but infinitely nicer
brother. It's nice to see Pullman, who lost Meg Ryan to Tom Hanks,
get the girl here.
Peter Gallagher is convincing as the self-absorbed,handsome
jerk, who is motivated by less than admirable character qualities.
If you liked WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, you may
enjoy "Sleepless in Seattle," "The
Net," "Heart and Souls," "Roxanne,"
"Mrs. Winterbourne," "Return to Me," "Sliding
Doors," "Working Girl," and/or
"When Harry Met Sally."
|