Éveil à la vie

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!!

What I initially thought of as a kiddie flick, I was pleasantly surprised to find 'Wide Awake' so much more (though I should have known better since it was written by the wonderful M. Night 'Sixth Sense' Shymalan).

The story of the film revolves around a little boy named Joshua who seeks to find God in order to ensure his dead grandfather is safe. Ten-year-old Josh is Catholic and an unflinching believer in his faith until the death of his beloved grandfather. Suddenly all Josh has been raised to believe in is thrown into turmoil as he finds his faith seriously called into question. He begins to wonder why God allows so much bad to exist in the world and, more importantly, what happened to his grandfather following his death.

The film is not just a story of faith but also of growing up and realising the world is not a simple place with absolutes, rather things may not always be what they seem. The ending, like 'Sixth Sense' does have a great twist that works so well and will leave even the hard-hearted feeling warm. Joseph Cross, as Josh, and Timothy Reifsnyder, as his best friend Dave, were able to carry the film at a first-rate level despite being so young. Cross portrayed Josh's innocence, his disenchantment with God, his love for his friends and family and the joy at his end revelation with the proficiency of a professional triple his age. His touching performances brought heart to the story. The adult actors in supporting roles, with Dana Delany and Denis Leary as Josh's parents and Rosie O'Donnell as the nun teacher, were decent yet understated as they, quite rightly, let the child actors shine.

One of the best things of this film is that although much of the cast are children, they aren't the typical annoying brats you see tend to encounter in Hollywood films. The storyline isn't sugary either. The interaction of Josh with his friends and adults around him were handled poignancy, especially the flashback scenes with his grandfather that portrayed their strong bond perfectly.

'Wide Awake' does make you wonder if ten-year-olds' can have deeper thoughts and views than adults give them credit for and I think many of us can empathise with how childlike wonder slowly gives way to adult insights as we grow up and leave childhood behind. This isn't a film just for the religious but those who are interested in a realistic depiction of a child's coming-of-age.

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

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.