The plot of "While You Were Sleeping" is set in motion when a pretty Chicago Transit Authority attendant named Lucy (Sandra Bullock) saves the life of a handsome CTA patron named Peter (Peter Gallagher). Two two had never formally met, but Lucy had developed a crush on Peter and pegged him as the man she would marry. Although Peter's life had been spared, the incident landed him in a coma. A case of mistaken identity in the hospital caused doctors, nurses, and Peter's friends and family all to believe that Lucy was his fiance.
Although members of the family were skeptical at first, they soon embraced Lucy with open arms and treated her as if she belonged. Not wanting to disturb parents who were already distressed because of their son's condition, Lucy clung to her story. Besides, her parents were both dead and she longed for the warmth of family life.
Jack (Bill Pullman) was the last to find out about his brother's fiance. More skeptical than the rest, he often quizzed her about his brother's preferences and Lucy's apparent relationship with an obnoxious cretin named Joe Jr. (Michael Rispoli). But somewhere along the way, Jack and Lucy developed feelings for each other. Complicating matters towards the end of the film is dilemma that ensues when Peter awakes from his coma.
"While You Were Sleeping" is a wonderful little romantic comedy. Sandra Bullock is irresistible as the good-hearted Lucy and Bill Pullman may yet become leading man material. Although, light and fluffy, the film has some solid laughs and keeps its contrived story firmly planted in the heart.