While You Were Sleeping (PG)

“While You Were Sleeping” is a near perfect rom-com; crafted with 90s style, flavor, and fashion, and its chilly Chicago setting and holiday backdrop make it a perfect January treat.

Megastar Sandra Bullock stars in one of her earlier roles. Here she plays a hapless romantic named Lucy, and a better casting choice there could not have been. Bullock is cute and quirky in an original sort of way; a smile that can make your heart flutter as she drowns amidst the fabric of her over sized grunge-era sweaters.

Bullock has gone on to win an Academy Award (“The Blind Side”) and star in blockbusters like “Gravity” and the current flavor of the month “Bird Box.” Here she’s at her best; a simple everyday woman trying to find love. No gimmicks or special effects needed. Just her raw talent.

Lucy is a token taker at a train stop in downtown Chicago, and her opening narration explains how she has fallen in lust with a seemingly perfect daily commuter (Peter Gallagher). She’s a stalker in a humorous way; knowing specific details and referring to him in her thoughts as “Prince Charming” though the pair have never actually spoken to one another. A Christmas morning accident lands Prince Charming – aka Peter Callaghan – in a coma, and Lucy in an unbelievable mess, posing to the family as his fiancé.

“While You Were Sleeping” is loaded with laughs as Lucy is quickly embraced by the Callaghan family. Starring alongside Bullock is Bill Pullman as skeptical brother Jack, whom quickly falls for Lucy. Pullman is one of the most underrated actors on the market. He’s starred in classic comedies like “Spaceballs” but also deeper roles such as “Independence Day.” He’s great here, being funny and serious as the situation demands, and works well with Bullock.

Peter Boyle and Jack Warden are perfect and the pair solidifies as senior members of the Callaghan family and great character actor Michael Rispoli adds comical depth playing Lucy’s obnoxious landlord.  

The movie has some incredibly touching moments that exercise Bullocks talents and reinforce the perfection of 90s cinema. Lucy’s opening narration explains her lack of family, and The Callaghan quickly embrace her as one of their own. One truly great scene in which the clan is exchanging Christmas gifts is the type of thing that demonstrates true family love.

Its fast run time of 103 minutes is the optimal length. There is never a dry moment and, while the plot is predictable, the talent make it fun to watch. Is it campy? Yes, but that’s what it’s supposed to be.

Spanning the week between Christmas and New Year’s, ‘While You Were Sleeping” is a great story for the holidays – or any time thereafter. It’s a movie that brings us back to a simpler time, when blending love and comedy was an original concept, and done in a plausible way.

by – Matt DeCristo