FEEL GOOD FILM FOR THIS VIRUS WEEK.
Sandra Bullock (Speed) stars in this fluffy little romantic comedy about love at first sight. Lucy (Bullock) works at the Chicago El Train Toll booth, where she sees this well-dressed, handsome man every day. He never notices her, but Lucy fantasizes that he’s the one that she wants to marry.
She finally gets to meet her Prince Charming (Peter Gallagher – Sex, Lies and Videotapes) but, not exactly the way she envisioned it. Lucy saves Peter’s life, when he’s pushed onto the tracks by some muggers. He’s taken to the hospital in a coma and Lucy is mistaken for Peter’s fiancee by his family.
Lucy is reluctant to tell them the truth, because his grandmother is on heart medication and the shock might send her reeling and Lucy really likes these people, especially Peter’s brother (Bill Pullman).
The setting is Chicago around the Christmas holiday. There’s snow on the ground, the decorations are up and there’s a cozy family atmosphere that Lucy is experiencing for the first time in years. You can understand why she wants to be around these people and be part of their family.
Some terrific character actors round out the cast. Glynis Johns plays Grandma, Peter Boyle is Dad and Jack Warden plays Peter’s wise godfather.
Bullock is unassuming and looks very natural as the shy, lonely working girl. She and Pullman are good together, and although there aren’t many laughs, it is a very sweet story. The light, refreshing relationship between the characters and the charming leads, makes seeing While You Were Sleeping a pleasurable experience.