Dead Awake (2010)

A funeral parlor employee looks to unravel a 10-year-old mystery.

Director:

Omar Naim

Writers:

Johnny Harrington (story) (as John Harrington), Johnny Harrington (as John Harrington)

Stars:

Nick Stahl, Rose McGowan, Amy Smart

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nick Stahl	...	Dylan
Rose McGowan	...	Charlie
Amy Smart	...	Natalie
Ben Marten	...	Steve
Brian Lynner	...	Decko
Kim Grimaldi	...	Liz
James Serpento	...	Detective Milano
Jack Mishler	...	Mr. Brennan
Justin Marxen	...	Jack
Shane Simmons	...	David
Rachel Storey	...	Tracy
Britt Slater	...	Megan (as Brittany Slater)
Paul Nycz	...	The Tattooed Man
Justin Urich	...	Mad Terrence
Andrea Leon	...	Camilla

Storyline

Dylan, a young man working at a funeral parlor, is trying to unravel a mystery that shattered his life ten years earlier. After faking his own funeral to see who will show up, he befriends a mysterious street junkie and is reunited with an old love from his past. The lives of these three characters are transformed by supernatural forces as Dylan discovers that no one is who they seem to be.

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Plot Keywords:

funeral | junkie | u haul | tombstone | rooftop | 

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Genres:

Fantasy | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, drug content and brief sexuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 December 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dead Awake

Filming Locations:

Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,500,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$712,000, 31 December 2010

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Charlie: You ARE dead. You just don't know it.

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Soundtracks

Wake Me
Performed by Rose McGowan

User Reviews

***CAUTION! Be careful reading about this film b4 you see it. An intriguing and moving story... Rewatchability: Moderate Blu-ray: Good (considering the source) A:8 V:8

BRIEF BLU-RAY REVIEW:

I believe that this was shot on 16 mm film. So, you have a pretty gritty, primitive, high-contrasty look to the movie. This isn't your usual glossy new looking film, but I feel that it's unique, stark look really lends itself to the story.

Now, to the movie... I had seen this film quite some time ago and I vaguely remember that I did like it. But, I just now watched it again on Blu-ray and I found that I still very much enjoyed it. Actually, I was kind of surprised that I liked this movie that much. Normally I do not care for 'Drama' heavy films, no matter the Genre. BUT... I really liked the way the movie was done, so that you had a nice, tense feel of light Horror, and a definite sense of Mystery, and along with that also a very touching and moving story surrounding this young man and what has been going on the last 10 years of his life.

The story itself is VERY simple. It is not the kind of movie where you have anything really intense or shocking. It is very moody, but in a simple way. You might have to give it a chance to get going a bit before you quite get into what is going on. The acting is very good by everyone involved. I'm not necessarily a HUGE fan of Nick Stahl, but I felt that he did a fine job here, along with everyone else. The director gave the film a nice sense of Mystery and tension. And understandably, the audience may not quite be sure as to what the deal is with this guy or the meaning of the flashbacks that occur. But, this is one of those stories that becomes clear as you progress through it, and of course especially when you get to the end.

***PLEASE*** be very careful in reading about this film before you see it. I NEVER cease to be completely amazed at the brainless STUPIDITY and lack of any good sense or consideration by the NumbNut Donkey-Sucking Dickweeds here who blurt out key plot points to the films that they 'review'... Pure, PHUK'n Idiots, if you ask me... Anyway, please do read with care, or better yet, just watch the movie and see what you think. To give you some guidance WITHOUT mindlessly giving anything away, just know that this film TECHNICALLY has some metaphysical themes, but is primarily Drama and character driven. Like I mentioned, normally I really don't get very excited about films that are weighted more toward 'Drama', but in this case I feel that the story is told in such a way as to draw the audience into what is happening and involve them. This is NOT really a true Horror film, so if that is what you are looking for, then you should pass on this one. But, if you don't mind a bit of a low-key, Drama driven quasi-Supernatural / Metaphysical film about Death, etc., then you might end up enjoying it like I did.