Written and
Directed by:

M. Night Shyamalan

Plot Outline: When his beloved grandfather passes away, fifth-grade Catholic schoolboy Joshua (Joseph Cross) has a crisis of faith. He asks both the nuns and his parents (Denis Leary and Dana Delany) difficult questions as he sets out on a mission: to find God and make sure his grandfather is OK. As if that weren't enough, he also has to contend with schoolyard bullies, the sudden appeal of girls, needy schoolmates, and the recklessness of his best friend David (Timothy Reifsnyder). Though the precociousness of the children is a little hard to believe, there's a genuine feeling and a surprising complexity of thought about faith that makes Wide Awake unexpectedly affecting. Despite the largeness of the theme, the movie is made up of small images and gentle humor, which keep it grounded in reality and consistently engaging. The strong supporting cast includes Julia Stiles (10 Things I Hate About You), Camryn Mannheim (Happiness, TV's The Practice), and Rosie O'Donnell (A League of Their Own, The Flintstones, Harriet the Spy), as a nun who explains the Bible with sports metaphors. A pleasantly subtle comedy from M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense).

Cast (in credits order)
Joseph Cross .... Joshua A. Beal
Timothy Reifsnyder .... Dave O'Hara
Dana Delany .... Mrs. Beal
Denis Leary .... Mr. Beal
Robert Loggia .... Grandpa
Rosie O'Donnell .... Sister Terry
Camryn Manheim .... Sister Sophia
Vicki Giunta .... Sister Beatrice
Julia Stiles .... Neena Beal
Heather Casler .... Hope
Dan Lauria .... Father Peters
Stefan Niemczyk .... Frank Benton
Michael Pacienza .... Freddie Waltman
Michael Shulman .... Robert Brickman
Jaret Ross Barron .... Dan
Jarrett Abello .... John
Joseph Melito .... Billy
Peter A. Urban Jr. .... Newman
Jahmal Curtis .... Student
Michael Craig Bigwood .... Little Boy
Gil Robbins .... Cardinal Geary
Marc H. Glick .... Father Sebastian
Robert K. O'Neill .... Young Priest
Deborah Stern .... Mrs. Waltman
Joey Perillo .... Mr. Waltman
Jerry Walsh .... Football Coach
Liam Mitchell .... Gym Teacher
Charles Techman .... Janitor
Antoine McLean .... Wilson
Arleen Goman .... Mrs. Pitman
Mets Suber .... Race Starter