Awake
Thursday, June 19, 2008
“Every year, one in 700 people wake up during surgery. When they planned her husband’s murder, they never thought he’d be the one.”
I have to be honest. I didn’t even know this movie existed until my husband got it on netflix. So I knew nothing about it when we watched it and had no expectations. And I was pleasantly surprised.
Awake is about a rich young man named Clay, who has a heart condition and is waiting for a transplant. Clay plays a big part in his deceased father’s company and lives with his mother [Lena Olin], while secretly dating her assistant, Sam [Jessica Alba]. As soon as Clay finds out they have a donor for him, he insists his Doctor friend [Terrance Howard] do the surgery, not his mother’s high-profile surgeon boyfriend. Angry at his mother’s insistence, he finally tells her about his relationship with Sam, which she does not take well. On the way into surgery, Clay and Sam get married in a rushed ceremony, both motivated by more than just love. Things take a turn for the worst when Clay experiences “anesthetic awareness” during his surgery, and can hear the surgical team discussing his own murder…
This movie was pretty entertaining and had some decent suspense. Hayden Christensen does a good job – he’s a much better actor than he seemed to be in the newer Star Wars movies. For me, Lena Olin was the highlight – I’m a big fan of hers. And the movie takes some twists and turns that are unexpected and well done. I’d say Awake is a 3 out of 5. It’s worth a rental, especially if you’re a Jessica Alba fan. Don’t expect too much of it, though… just go along for the ride.
Add’l Info: Released: Nov 30, 2007 • Runtime: 84 minutes • Rated R for language, an intense disturbing situation, and brief drug use
