The only way I can really describe At First Sight is that it is a nice film. A feel good movie, something like that, and a very beauifully shot feel good movie. The cinematography is excellent, the story on the other hand could have used some tightening. Kilmer and Sorvino kind of walk through this film on cruise control, I really enjoyed Nathan Lane's small role as a vision therapist. This is a nice movie to watch on a rainy day or with someone you love.

Tightly-wound New York architect Mira Sorvino (as Amy Benic) gets a rubdown from hunky blind masseur Val Kilmer (as Virgil Adamson),and the two fall in love (you guessed it) "At First Sight". One can see this coming as Mr. Kilmer's strong hands begin to caress Ms. Sorvino's body. This is very much how the entire film plays out. Everything is obvious. The main plot development is when Kilmer undergoes treatment to recover his sight, thanks to conveniently placed doctor Bruce Davidson (as Charles Aaron). Kilmer has some good scenes after the operation, sister Kelly McGillis (as Jennie) makes the most of her supporting role, ex-husband Steven Weber (as Duncan Allanbrook) makes you want to see him win, and vision therapist Nathan Lane (as Phil Webster) gets in a few good lines. Director Irwin Winkler's most valuable player is clearly cinematographer John Seale.

***** At First Sight (1/12/99) Irwin Winkler ~ Val Kilmer, Mira Sorvino, Kelly McGillis, Nathan Lane

From the closing text, this is based on a true story. Virgil (Val Kilmer) is a blind masseur who has a special touch. Amy (Mira Sorvino) is a hard working New York architect. At a resort, Amy falls completely head over heels after getting a massage from Virgil. When Amy learns of a new radical surgery, Virgil is angered at first, but relents to do the surgery. He regains his sight, but gets new problems that puts strains in their relationship.

It may be based on a true story, but it's not a compelling story. It's as if somebody had laid out the rom-com formula, and fit the story to it. For a story with an interesting premise, there is a distinct lack of drama. It's fairly uninspired.