After
hearing an unwilling guest, Sam Baldwin (Hanks) tell his
story on Doctor Marcia Fieldstone's call-in psych radio
show, Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), falls in love with this lonely,
grieving widower she's never met, and who lives in another
state. Sam's worried little boy, Jonah (Ross Malinger),
was the culprit that called the radio station. Jonah was
worried about his grieving Dad who was having a tough
time getting over the death his mom. Jonah thinks his
dad should start dating again and thought a talk with
Dr. Marcia might help him find another woman to marry.
Annie Reed is an already engaged woman, about to be married
to Walter (Bill Pullman), a man that adores her but she's
not sure if she adores him. After Sam's talk with Dr.
Marcia, Sam receives stacks of mail from many women who
want to date him. However, Sam and Annie are drawn together
by destiny, and the determined efforts of Jonah who refuses
to give up his quest for this particular one. Jonah personally
picked her after reading her letter, despite his father's
doubts that such a match could be made via mail.
Sam
Baldwin reluctantly starts dating other women, and his
dates don't always please Jonah. Plus, Jonah isn't pleased
with his father because he won't go to New York and meet
Annie. Jonah had written a letter back to Annie, pretending
to be his father, and had scheduled this date for his
Dad, and she to meet at the top of the Empire State Building.
Under
the talented direction of Nora Ephron, who also helped
write the screenplay (along with Jeff Arch and David Ward),
this warm and romantic film shows how these two people,
after near misses and plot twists, finally do meet.
This
screenplay had actors coming out of the woodwork, wanting
to be a part of this film, as it has a positive outlook,
that offers hope and encouragement to many looking for
true love and happiness in relationships. This premise
that everyone has a perfect partner waiting to be discovered,
works, thanks in large part to the great charm of Hanks
and the screen chemistry Hanks and Ryan create magically
on the screen. These two have starred together in other
romantic movies, such as "You've Got Mail," and "Joe Verses
the Volcano."
Young
Ross Malinger, only 9 at the time, gives a heart-felt,
convincing portrayal of young Jonah, showcasing his talent
as an actor at an early age. Ross had no trouble finding
work throughout his childhood and teen years as well.
After "Sleepless in Seattle," he landed a role in the
TV series, "Party of Five."
Rosie
O'Donnell does a great job as Becky, Annie's understanding
boss, who encourages her to follow up on her feelings,
that this guy, Sam Baldwin is her perfect match.
Bill
Pullman gives a convincing performance as Walter, Annie's
devoted fiance, who she leaves to meet with Sam Baldwin
for the first time. Annie realized that she didn't love
Walter enough to marry him, while Walter loved her dearly.
Her character shows her sweet and sensitive nature as
she finds a way to break up with him, that considers his
feelings.
The
film's soundtrack is filled with great golden oldies.
To add to the film's "ambience" Ephron wanted songs that
were both romantic and nostalgic. Particularly entertaining
is the late great Jimmy Durante singing, "As Time Goes
By," the song made famous in "Casablanca."
Warm,
literate romantic comedies never go out of style. "Sleepless
in Seattle" is a great dating film because it's about
destiny, and longing, and finding that one right person
for you. If your date doesn't enjoy "Sleepless in Seattle",
you may be dating a rock.
