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List Price: $28.95 | | Label: The Weinstein Company
Salesrank: 1415
Released: March 4, 2008 |
| Our Price: $11.92 |
| Used Price: $3.11 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
AWAKE is a sexy, psychological thriller about a common occurrence called "anesthetic awareness" a horrifying phenomenon wherein a patient's failed anesthesia leaves him fully conscious but physically paralyzed during surgery. The patient's charming new wife is forced to struggle with her own demons as a terrifying drama unfolds around the couple.
Description of Awake:
There's a hint of classic noir in the twists and turns that make up Awake, a medical thriller that hinges on an alarming real-life condition known as anesthesia awareness, which keeps surgery patients awake but immobile during surgery. Hayden Christensen is top-billed as the scion of a wealthy banking family in desperate need of a heart transplant. Seconds after the operation commences, he discovers that he is fully conscious, yet unable to move; and what's worse, the entire procedure is slated to fail in order to claim his considerable fortune. Once the scheme is set in motion, Awake moves into high gear, and the stock characters established in the exposition-heavy opening show their true (and decidedly scurrilous) colors. Unfortunately, the suspense is undone by Christensen undergoing what appears to be a confusing out-of-body experience, and a conclusion that begs for more suspension of disbelief than most audiences will be able to summon up. Christensen and Jessica Alba (as his new bride) are attractive but bland; instead, it's Howard who delivers as the film's conflicted antihero. The supporting players, including Lena Olin as Christensen's overprotective mom, Christopher McDonald, and Arliss Howard also lend considerable credence to the material. -- Paul Gaita
Awake Reviews:
Great! 
2008-07-19 - I won't get into all the details about the plot as many who have posted already have, but I found this movie interesting from beginning to end. I didn't find there to be many 'slow' points as it was all to me just the telling of the story, and what a story! Hayden was incredible in this role, excellent acting on his part. It was also nice to finally see Jessica Alba in a role somewhat different than her others have been. To me, I thought this was a well done movie, twists and all..
Good inspite of several flaws
2008-07-04 - The only reason that prevented me from giving a 4 star rating was the plot and gripping narrative (though a bit boring in places) which had me on the edge of my seat till the end. This first thing I must be thankful about this film is for making me aware of "Anesthetic awareness" a physical condition under general anesthesia I never knew could take place. I finally started reading more about it on the internet and it sounded too frightening and painful to be true. I was only wondering how a patient's anesthetic awareness could be detected if he or she were to have it prior to a surgery. Scary indeed!
As my mind was focused on the medical condition I was hardly aware of the superb plot and that turned out to be quite a thriller. All leading stars have done a good job except that Hayden needs to do something about his acting and personality to avoid becoming monotonous and stale. The lovely and haunting piano signature tune was also a plus. The flaws were the openness of the heart transplant operation. I need to know which hospital in the U.S allows a relative to enter an operation theater so easily where a heart transplant procedure is being performed. In the narrative Hayden has an out-of-body experience but the mother also having it or appearing in the out-of-body experience of Hayden and the meeting of both of them was a bit too crude and at times boring too. But full marks for the idea, story/plot, and screenplay.
Unusual plot but........ 
2008-06-18 - This was definitely a new story line but the execution was mediocre, at best. The whole thing took place in either the Mother and Son's home or at the hospital. Just kind of dull, if you ask me. It has the appearance of a rather low-budget flick. Not impressed. I would rather re-watch something that I have already seen (and liked) than to waste time/money on this one.
Rude Awakening
2008-06-17 - I have read the reviews and I just am bombarded with negativity once again. The casting is a strong factor and adds great depth to the film. The acting was top notch and the chill factor is over the top. There were no real complaints with the film at all. It is a brilliant film using a unexplored area of medicine and it is damn right creepy. Unlike most films of this genre this has a brilliant ending and justifies itself. The twists are truly amazing and really smart. These reviews are just unfair I mean did they even watch it? There are others films that just suck and this is not one of them. Watch it. You will stay awake.
not that great 
2008-06-05 -
The plot is simple, but reveals pretty much what is going to happen. As I don't want to spoil the movie for others, it's enough to say that 1 out of 700 people that undergo surgery find him/herself awake during the procedure, but unable to call for help.
If I divulge anything else, the script itself becomes obvious, so because of that, I found there were no surprises, no twists.
The acting sucks! Only Lena Olin is worth watching. Hayden Christensen and Jessica Alba are mind-blowingly bad. And Terrence Howard is possibly worse.
I found the premise very interesting, but it was, in my opinion, badly scripted - there are several plot holes.
Interesting to watch for the story, but no other reason really.
