Wide Awake

When his grandfather dies, Joshua is left feeling lost and confused. Full of questions he begins to search for God in order to get answers. Turning to priests as well as other religions, Joshua is frustrated by his lack of progress but soon learns more than he thought on his journey.

Like many of those who have recently seen it, I was drawn to this film by the fact that Shyamalan directed it shortly before hitting big with Sixth Sense. The film isn't like his more recent straight-dramas with a twist, so beware what you expect; this is more a human story and, as such, it isn't totally successful. It delivers most of the story quite well, managing to be quite touching without ever really falling into daytime tv sentimentality, however something was lacking I felt. The overall story is worthy enough but that side of it never really touched me as much as I would have hoped and it could have been made more of - especially as the ending is focused on that aspect in particular. Also I needed more feeling for the relationship between Josh and his grandfather - the flashbacks were OK but didn't do enough to convey the depth of Josh's love nor the sheer loss he must feel.

Like he did in Sixth Sense, Shyamalan gets good performances out of his child actors. All the support kids are good but Cross is particularly strong and he does very well carrying the narrative. He really is the lead role and nobody else really gets close in terms of screen time. Given this fact I was surprised how many other famous faces were in small roles - O'Donnell, Leary, Loggia and Lauria; they are all OK but none really has more than a supporting role.

Overall, this film was nice but not great. The plot is an interesting one but it doesn't manage to satisfactorily conclude on all the mysticism and ideas that it puts forward. It is still quite a nice little story if you just look at it as a sort of coming of age story surrounding Joshua, but really it didn't quite go where I hoped it would.

An average drama of M. Night Shyamalan right before his most successful film. The film revolves around a 10 year old in search of God. Though some interesting parts are there, the film as a whole is little boring. It was a goosebumps moment to see the name of Indian cinematographer Madhu Ambat in the end credits.

Shyamalan's second feature is a very sweet, good natured and funny look at belief during trying times. It focuses on a young boy Joshua Beal (Joseph Cross) a student at a catholic school, who goes on a spiritual journey to find God after his grandfather dies. There is an incredibly close relationship between him and his grandfather played by Robert Loggia and this is the emotional centre of the story; both performances really shine particularly in these tender moments shown between them and you genuinely believe in their characters, making the impending passing very sad to watch. Cross is the stand out in the film who at such a young age naturally manages to convey all kinds of emotions just through facial features; particularly confusion! There is a lovely appearance also by Rosie O Donnell as Joshua's teacher Sister Terry who is of course very funny but also portrays a sensitive and understanding role model very well. My only reservations about the film are it's soundtrack and the ending. Both of these do over egg the sentimental aspect of the film which does slightly tip over the edge making it a bit too sickly sweet to watch at points. Nevertheless, it's still a nice gentle watch and I'd recommend seeking it out if you fancy something to watch that you can just relax and enjoy

Evidently, this was made in 1995, and was not released until 1998. (Though where it could've possibly played I have no idea). I don't want to be too harsh on it, because it is from the same writer/director of 'The Sixth Sense', a film that I believe will be regarded as a classic some day - if it isn't already.

So many of the same themes and ideas are present here as in "The Sixth Sense", (principally a sensitive young boy suffering under the weight of colossal thoughts and emotions that most kids his age either shun or never consider until years later) that it is interesting to view with that in mind. Unfortunately, however, the film has a hard time standing on its own. I did find it too be too mushy and sentimental and precious in spots - if this film were a car it would be a spotless antique that looks great on a showroom floor - but closer inspection would reveal that it has no engine under it's hood. Or at the very least, no gas in the tank. There isn't enough juice to make the story go, to move forward more than an inch or two at a time. A young boy's beloved grandfather dies, which causes him to go on a mission to verify the existence of God. All fine and good, but there isn't enough of a sense of jeopardy, everything's too safe and easy. The film would've had more gravity and weight if the boy had actually left home and set off for some destination where he believed he might find the answers. Instead, he merely repeats his intention and doesn't do a whole lot to achieve his goal. There just isn't enough there ... there. Certainly not enough to support an hour and a half long feature film.

Having said all that, it does have moments where it approaches the magical. Flashbacks with his grandfather are moving, especially the race track scene where the boy falls down in the middle of the race and then finishes and runs into his grandfather's arms. But the director (I couldn't spell his last name if I tried and I'll lose what I've written if I go back to look) just isn't as sure of himself here as he would later become with "The Sixth Sense". This film lacks the ingenious structure that made his next effort so satisfying. At this point in his career, 1995, he still hadn't found his voice yet; or that key that unlocks the section of his brain that elevates his work from the mundane to the sublime.

Fascinating to watch that development take place with an artist as thoughtful and talented as this one.

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!!