Wide Awake (1998)

Strong and Moving!

Sadly Over-hyped

It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

One of the best movies I have seen in my life time! An absolute masterpiece from M Night Shyamalan. This film tells about a 10 year old boy Joshua A Beal's (Joseph Cross) quest for God after his grandfather's death.The performance of the kids in this film were stunning especially Joshua's. I simply fell in love with this boy's innocent face and meaningful questions he asks. One of the best things in this film is the dialogues that were highly thoughtful and brilliant.The running race scene in the school which involves Joshua's grandfather was a touching one where I couldn't control tears in my eyes. Other brilliant performers are Joshua's friend Dave, Robert (grandfather) and Sister Terry done by Rosie O'Donnell. This boy Joshua steals my heart, how could M Night Shyamalan brings out such a talent from his little heroes? Hats off Shyamalan, you were so unlucky this film didn't brought you laurels, in my view your best one.The feeling you get when you watch the movie is warmth, heartening which will last for some time. The best part is the climax where I couldn't control crying

One of the things they never mention in flight school is being trapped in a hotel with crummy cable. Being bored enough to watch terrible films on the premium channel in your room is dangerous to your mental health. If you liked "They Shoot Horses Don't They" or think Kafka is good for few laughs, this will be right up your alley. Otherwise, if you are stuck in a hotel with this film on... go ride up and down in the elevator and listen to the musac.. it's more enjoyable.Odds are you will probably not make it through the first 3 to 5 minutes. The opening sequence pretty well sets the pace for Rod Serlings coming of age in the twilight zone. This was one of those films, that they make fun of in other films. Remember when on I Love Lucy she wrote her novel, and it was finally published.. in a text book on writing under the chapter "don't let this happen to you"...well... here it is on film. This should be in text books of young film makers... don't let this happen to YOU. My advice, run away, watch the foreign language channel, you might learn something, the PBS auction is more entertaining. BOMBS AWAY !

OK, the private prep school may have been difficult for many viewers to relate to, but this isn't just about a boy searching for God because of a religion class. It is about a boy knowing his beloved grandfather is dieing and dealing with it both before and after the fact. The scenes with the grandfather were very touching (Robert Loggia, I believe). And when people face the death of a loved one, they think about whether there is a God or not - and talk about it. I know this because I had this discussion a month ago with my 86 year old dieing father (now deceased). We, in real life, raised many of the same questions this boy in the movie raised, a movie I did not see until after my father died.It is easy to say something is corny, but the death of a loved one will bring out corny emotions if you care for that person. Yes, this movie is primarily for children, but how many of you know of a death in the family that did not impact children?The main character takes events slowly, from a child's point of view, yet he and his buddies come to some simple and profound truths. I liked this film, even if it was "corny."

My husband and I thought this was an excellent movie! We watched it with our 2 young daughters and it opened a great deal of doors for discussions with them. The casting was wonderful! I had read in an article that M. Night Shyamalan was kind of disappointed with it over-all, and I think that he should re-consider that thought. He states that he wants people to somehow be touched by and to identify with the work that he produces and this movie does exactly that! It hits home on all different levels for young and old.This is a must see for families!!