Wide Awake (1998)

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Director:

M. Night Shyamalan

Writer (WGA):

M. Night Shyamalan (written by)

Release Date:

20 March 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Family

Tagline:

First kisses. Outrageous pranks. A teacher with a killer fastball. To survive this year, Joshua Beal will have to stay...

Plot:

A 10 year old boy goes on a search for God after his grandfather dies.

Plot Keywords:

Nun | Pennsylvania | Boarding School | Grief | Family Relationships

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Joseph Cross	...	Joshua Beal
Timothy Reifsnyder	...	Dave O'Hara
Dana Delany	...	Mrs. Beal
Denis Leary	...	Mr. Beal
Robert Loggia	...	Grandpa Beal
Rosie O'Donnell	...	Sister Terry
Camryn Manheim	...	Sister Sophia
Vicki Giunta	...	Sister Beatrice
Julia Stiles	...	Neena Beal
Heather Casler	...	Hope
Dan Lauria	...	Father Peters
Stefan Niemczyk	...	Frank Benton
Michael Pacienza	...	Freddie Waltman
Michael Shulman	...	Robert Brickman
Jaret Ross Barron	...	Dan

MPAA:

Rated PG for language and thematic elements.

Runtime:

88 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | South Korea:All | Argentina:13 | USA:PG | UK:PG

Filming Locations:

Bryn Mawr College - 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA

Company:

Miramax Films

Trivia:

Although released in 1998, the film was actually produced in 1995.

Goofs:

Continuity: During the girls' ceremony, Hope's rose changes from one more fully open and blush colored, to a more tightly closed, whiter bud.

Quotes:

Joshua A. Beal: Before this year bullies were just bullies for no reason, weirdoes were just weird, and daredevils weren't afraid of anything. Before this year, people I loved lived forever. I spent this year looking for something and wound up seeing everything around me. It's like I was asleep before and finally woke up. Know what? I'm wide-awake now.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Comedy Central Roast of Denis Leary (2003) (TV)

Soundtrack:

JUNE LIGHT

Very sweet, underrated film

I've never understood why so many people seem turned off by this movie. Aside from some unnecessary uses of the 'S' word, this is a very original, very moving story that could even be of comfort to children who have lost a relative or friend.

What's not to like? We have very positive messages here. Seeking and finding strength in faith, dealing with reality. The child actors are outstanding. Joseph Cross portrays his character so perfectly that it is at times very moving.

A great supporting cast of Dennis Leary, Dana Delaney and Rosie O'Donnell (at her funniest, yet most reserved persona). Flawless directing by Shyamalan and a great score by Edmund Choi that has since been used elsewhere.

A perfect little film with a big heart for anyone who's lost someone they loved.