While You Were Sleeping

Rating: 5/5

One of the most adorable and heartwarming romantic comedies out there, While You Were Sleeping should go down in history as one of Sandra Bullock's best films.

Everyday, Lucy (Sandra Bullock) works at her job where she takes tokens for the train. The only bright spot of her menial work, is when the handsome man she dreams of marrying, comes by her booth to pay his train fare. On Christmas Day, Lucy is shocked to see that her fantasy man is being mugged and is then thrown onto the train tracks. Without thinking, Lucy jumps off the platform and saves his life.

At the hospital, Lucy is desperate to see him, but the doctors refuse her visitation rights, because she is not family. Defeated and alone in the hospital hallway, Lucy mutters to herself that she was going to marry the man she saved. Not knowing that a nurse has overheard, Lucy is whisked into the man's hospital room, and discovers his name is Peter Callaghan. Suddenly his family arrives and before Lucy can clear things up, the nurse tells the Callaghans that she is Peter's fiance. Though she attempts to correct them, Lucy is quickly sucked into a white lie that gets way out of her hands.

While You Were Sleeping is one of the rare instances where its' a well made romantic comedy that got the decent reviews it deserves. The story in While You Were Sleeping is charming and warm, and perhaps that's why it is beloved by both the everyday viewer and critics. There is none of the excessive silliness or dumbed down humor that is to be expected in the majority of romantic comedies, and unlike most of its' genre, which are commonly targeted towards female audiences, this film can be enjoyed by all those who love a delightful love story set during the holiday season.

Though Sandra Bullock has starred in a long list of romantic comedies, While You Were Sleeping is perhaps one of her better performances. Her character not only needs to be instantly likable, but able to pull the heartstrings of her viewers by genuinely portraying the personal struggles that she is facing. Bullock is able to emanate these qualities in Lucy, and make you fall in love with her character as quickly as the Callaghans do. As far as the performances by the actors who make up Peter's family; they are all wonderful. Though the characters are portrayed to be quite eccentric at times, they are incredibly believable as a nutty, but lovable family.

While You Are Sleeping is one of those movies that could technically be considered as a Christmas film, but could really be watched any time of the year. It does have a definite seasonal overtone, but it is more about the relationships that develop throughout the holidays, rather than Christmas itself. Though the film is predictable, as about 99% of romantic comedies are, you just don't care. While You Are Sleeping is just too enjoyable to care whether or not you will likely be able to guess how the film will end.

While You Were Sleeping is definitely one of my favorite romantic comedies. The acting and story far surpass the majority of the films in its' genre, and it is a film that gives you the warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart that only the most adorable love stories can do.