 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Awake
- Review Date: March 3, 2008
- R
- Genre: Thriller
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Silly surgery thriller is bloody, convoluted.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that even though this grim thriller stars teen favorites Hayden Christensen and Jessica Alba, it isn't meant for kids. There are many scenes of bloody open-heart surgery, with some explicit sound effects (cutting, sawing, ribcage cracking). Because Clay is conscious and feels pain during the surgery, there are some gruesome parts in which he internally screams, swears, and makes noises; it's essentially grisly torture (not unlike what passes for plot in the Saw movies). There are several kissing scenes, two of which lead to sex (though more is implied than shown). Expect lots of prescription medication use, some smoking (and discussion of it being bad for you) and drinking, and many uses of both "f--k" and "s--t."
What's the story?
At 22, successful Clay (Hayden Christensen) is touted as a brilliant, social-minded businessman who creates jobs, looks after properties, and is a good son to his doing mother, Lilith (Lena Olin). But as his best friend Jack (Terrence Howard) makes clear at the start of AWAKE, Clay is in trouble. One, he has a bad heart -- in fact, he needs a transplant. And, two, his surgeon is Jack, who starts the film by describing the pain he feels at losing Clay on the operating table. What happened? Despite the fact that his friend was facing four malpractice suits and Lilith disapproved, Clay was perversely determined to have Jack perform the surgery. And Lilith became even more upset when she learned that Clay had a secret girlfriend, Sam (Jessica Alba) -- with whom he has several bouts of lively sex during the movie, despite his much-remarked weakened "condition." But even with all these pressures weighing on him, Clay was upbeat as he was finally wheeled into the operating room, imagining that he'd wake up on the other side with a new life. Or not.
Is it any good?
The gimmicky premise of Awake is the fact that one in 700 patients experience what's called "anesthetic awareness" during surgery: Feeling every cut, every rib crack, and every stitch during surgery, but being paralyzed and unable to communicate the agony. Ouch. But this pain, uncomfortable as it is, has nothing on the pain of the movie's increasingly convoluted and contrived plot.
First of all, Clay's unfortunate condition is discovered by an out-of-body version of himself, who proceeds to run around the hospital in scrubs (why is never explained, as he lies on the table in a hospital gown), yelling at various relatives and doctors in an effort to get them to see that he's "awake." What's more, there are so many betrayals by so many characters that it's hard to care much about what happens to them -- unless you worry about the careers of folks like Howard and Olin, who outclass this silly material in every imaginable way. By the time Lilith has to explain to Sam how she can "feel" something is wrong in the operating room ("He's not just my son: we grew up together"), you've got the feeling that something is indeed very wrong -- with this film.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what makes a movie a thriller. Do you think this qualifies? Why? What characteristics do most thrillers have in common? Families can also discuss what -- if anything -- the characters in the movie learn. How would you describe the movie's version of morality? Are the characters' sacrifices worth it?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
October 7, 2011
AGE
SUCKISH MOVIE
the video rview scared the crap out of me im not watching this peice of junk
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Good movie but now I don't EVER wanna have surgery!
I thought this was a very good movie but when I figured out the big secret I was like ' NOOOOO'. I really like Jessica Alba so you get it!
the only gory bit was at the start but apart from that the movie was really good. not for kids under 12 years old though.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
realistic!!!
Awake was a really cool movie,i wanted to see it ever since it was in theaters. The characters were real and decieving it showed what really happened during surgery as well as the characters emotions and state of mind. There wasn't a lot of violence(as in fighting) but there was some blood and a heart shown but it was real it wasn't murdering people. There were several uses of the word f--k but it was totoally needed, b//c unfortunatley he was awake and i would say exactly what he said. But, i do have to say that some of the kissing scenes weren't needed in the movie to make it a good medical thriller. (no nudity) i think it was interesting with a good ending and is okay for any mature teen 13+!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Love It!
This movie tells the story of a wealthy socialite that needs open heart surgery. We the anasetesia does not work he can hear and fell ever thing happening around him (though he is paraylzed) including an plot to have him killed. I think it is okay for kids my age if they are mature!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It was hard to stay Awake...
I've heard alot of critics totally bash this movie, and I don't know why. The film is just OK, that is true, but I don't think it deserves to TOTALLY bomb. The acting was wooden, the storyline dragged, and yet...the twists still got me. The ending was actually pretty good, and even though Jessica Alba's hotness went to waste (no nudity, parents), I still think this movie was worthwhile...keeping in mind that 'worthwhile' means about 80 minutes, and that ain't a long time. As for the violence in the film - it really isn't "violent", just very yucky at times.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
For a movie centered around an open-heart surgery, it was much less bloody then I assumed it would be. Aside from one close-up shot of the first incision, there is practically no violence at all. On the other hand, the language is WAY too excessive. Someone cusses at least once every three minutes, and that's before they get to the operating room. After the operation starts there's around two obscenities per sentence. At least four "G" words were used, and literally dozens of times when obscenities were said (or yelled). The sexual innuendo isn't as strong as the language, but it's still a bit excessive. Also, the ending is very sad and tragic, and most kids will find it very upsetting.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Wonderfully Suspenseful
Like Roger Ebert, I was enthralled by the plot. A good old fashioned Hitchcock-like thriller. Hayden Christesen and Jessica Alba were marvolous in thier roles!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
2 plot twists in 1 movie? Awesome
This is a thriller that will undoubtebly be under-appreciated. I honestly dont see whats so bad about it. It has one star for what? It's got an amazing plot and a cool surreal "before death scene." Its really well thought out and expressed. I felt chills and betrayed and I felt pain like the character did. The drug use is medication or neccesary for the plot and the violence is just surgery which you can see on the Discovery Channel and a brief hit on the head with a metal firestick. there is no sex only kisses and language... well it... ok there is language but hey... its everywhere. WATCH THIS MOVIE!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Completely fun/twists you haven't seen before
Really enjoyed this movie. Truly fun/riveting stuff. if you missed it in theaters, get it on dvd!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Weinstein Co. |
| Director: | Joby Harold |
| Cast: | Hayden Christensen, Jessica Alba, Lena Olin |
| Genre: | Thriller |
| Run time: | 84 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 30, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | March 3, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language, an intense disturbing situation, and brief drug use. |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
