Wide Awake (1998 film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wide Awake |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | M. Night Shyamalan |
| Produced by | Cathy Konrad Cary Woods |
| Written by | M. Night Shyamalan |
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| Music by | Edmund Choi |
| Cinematography | Adam Holender |
| Editing by | Andrew Mondshein |
| Studio | Woods Entertainment |
| Distributed by | Miramax Films |
| Release date(s) | March 20, 1998 |
| Running time | 88 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $6 million |
| Money made | $282,175 |
Wide Awake is a 1998 American film that mixes comedy and drama. It was written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The movie tells the story of a young boy named Joshua Beal. He goes on a special journey to understand life and death after his grandfather passes away.
The film stars actors like Denis Leary, Dana Delany, Joseph Cross, and Rosie O'Donnell. Even though the movie was made in 1995, it was released three years later in 1998. The script for Wide Awake was actually written way back in 1991. The movie was nominated for awards in 1999, including "Best Family Feature – Drama." M. Night Shyamalan hoped the film would make people laugh and also feel emotional.
What the Movie is About
The story of Wide Awake follows ten-year-old Joshua A. Beal, played by Joseph Cross. He is in fifth grade and has recently lost his beloved grandfather, played by Robert Loggia. This sad event makes Josh start a personal search for answers about life and what happens after death.
Josh attends Waldron Mercy Academy, which is a private Catholic school for boys. The grown-ups around him try to comfort him. They tell him his grandfather is in a good place. However, Josh isn't fully convinced. So, he decides to go on his own mission to find God.
On his journey, Josh gets help from different people. His best friend, Dave (played by Timothy Reifsnyder), supports him. A nun who loves the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team, Sister Terry (played by Rosie O'Donnell), also guides him.
As Josh searches, he starts to have questions about his faith. He wonders if God truly exists. These doubts grow when his friend Dave is diagnosed with epilepsy. Josh also experiences his first crush during this time. As his school year comes to an end, Josh finds the answers he was looking for in a surprising way.
Meet the Cast
This section lists the actors who played the characters in Wide Awake.
Main Characters
- Denis Leary as Mr. Beal (Josh's father)
- Dana Delany as Mrs. Beal (Josh's mother)
- Joseph Cross as Joshua A. Beal (the main character)
- Rosie O'Donnell as Sister Terry (a teacher and nun)
- Timothy Reifsnyder as Dave O'Hara (Josh's best friend)
- Robert Loggia as Grandpa Beal (Josh's grandfather)
- Camryn Manheim as Sister Sophia
- Vicki Giunta as Sister Beatrice
- Julia Stiles as Neena Beal (Josh's teenage sister)
Other Characters
- Heather Casler as Hope
- Dan Lauria as Father Peters
- Stefan Niemczyk as Frank Benton
- Michael Pacienza as Freddie Waltman
- Michael Shulman as Robert Brickman
- Jaret Ross Barron as Dan
- Jarrett Abello as John
- Joseph Melito as Billy
- Peter A. Urban Jr. as Newman
- Jahmal Curtis as Student
- Michael Craig Bigwood as Little Boy
- Gil Robbins as Cardinal Geary
- Marc H. Glick as Father Sebastian
- Robert K. O'Neill as Young Priest
- Deborah Stern as Mrs. Waltman
- Joey Perillo as Mr. Waltman
- Jerry Walsh as Football Coach
- Liam Mitchell as Gym Teacher
- Charles Techman as Janitor
- Antoine McLean as Wilson
- Arleen Goman as Mrs. Pitman
- Mets Suber as Race Starter
See Also
In Spanish: Wide Awake (película de 1998) para niños
