While You Were Sleeping
★★★ 1/2
Although the plot of While You Were Sleeping is utterly ridiculous, director Jon Turteltaub and the rest of the producers at least knew how to cast this movie. Sandra Bullock, like in most of her movies, elevates the material. If you take a closer look at her character's antics, it would normally be downright creepy, but along with Bullock, all of the actors involved (Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Jack Warden, Glynis Johns) know the exact tone to take. We are in good hands and there is an overall sweetness and innocence that washes over you while watching this holiday film.
What stands out most in this romantic tale is factoring in the family component. It's true what people say that when you marry someone, you are marrying their family as well. The audience wouldn't quite buy into Lucy and Jack's blossoming romance if it wasn't for the memorable family members that wrap their supporting arms around this unusual situation. Everyone longs to be loved and supported for who they are, and this family gives unconditional support despite the zaniness of what unfolds before them.
I expected to love this movie a bit more than what I remembered. Its lack of seriousness is what makes it easy to watch, but also laughable when it shouldn't be. It's a wonderful film to watch with family because it's a celebration of such things, but on a solo watch, you might wonder to yourself why this movie has been held in such high esteem.
