Wide Awake

  • 1998
  • PG
  • 88m
movieMx RATING
5.5
93
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Wide Awake Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 10, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 10, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Wide Awake

MovieWide Awake
Release Year1998
DirectorM. Night Shyamalan
GenreComedy / Drama / Family
Runtime88 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 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 & Character Study

The performances in Wide Awake are led by Denis Leary . The supporting cast, including Joseph Cross and Rosie O'Donnell , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Wide Awake (1998) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.5/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While Wide Awake does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Wide Awake has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Wide Awake

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1998, Wide Awake is a Comedy, Drama, Family film directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The narrative 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 involving Denis Leary.

Ending Explained: Wide Awake

Wide Awake Ending Explained: Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Wide Awake attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.

The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Denis Leary. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Wide Awake reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

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 / RegionCollection (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.

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Top Cast: Wide Awake

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Where to Watch Wide Awake Online?

Streaming Hub

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Wide Awake Parents Guide & Age Rating

1998 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Wide Awake age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Wide Awake is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Wide Awake is 88 minutes (1h 28m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, Wide Awake is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Wide Awake. Rating: 5.5/10

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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Critic Reviews for Wide Awake

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.5
Wide Awake
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