Performance & Direction: Wide Awake Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Wide Awake (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Wide Awake features a noteworthy lineup led by Denis Leary . Supported by the likes of Joseph Cross and Rosie O'Donnell , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Wide Awake (1998) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Wide Awake
Quick Plot Summary: Wide Awake is a Comedy, Drama, Family film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Wide Awake
Ending Breakdown: Wide Awake attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Wide Awake reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Wide Awake?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Wide Awake
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Wide Awake Budget
The estimated production budget for Wide Awake is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Wide Awake
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Wide Awake Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoWide Awake Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about Wide Awake age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Wide Awake is 88 minutes (1h 28m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Wide Awake stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1998 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wide Awake worth watching?
Wide Awake is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Wide Awake parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Wide Awake identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Wide Awake?
The total duration of Wide Awake is 88 minutes, which is approximately 1h 28m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
