Dead Awake (2001)

Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

Excellent but underrated film

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Geez, I've lost my faith in the IMDb reviewers when I see this putting up a 4.6 on the IMDb board. I just checked, that's 1 1/2 points less than a piece of putrid trash like Wet Hot American Summer. I'm guessing this one went over too many people's heads. Baldwin is a distracted, washed-out genius making big bucks in the business world. His insomnia and penchant for habitual late night walks make him the perfect chump in a murder scam. When he's not being made the fall guy he hangs with the wacky late-night losers at the Snow White Diner and falls asleep (with eyes wide open) at work.Lipper - Y'know, you should be a contestant on Jeopardy. Baldwin - There's a conflict. Lipper - Why? Baldwin - I used to write the questions..There's a campy but unpretentious camaraderie with the Snow White crew that makes this hang together, not the least due to Ironside's brain-damaged Skay. I also enjoyed Yankie as the luckiest detective in town, Roy as the over-focused girlfriend and Grenon as the shy waitress. This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen and an atmospheric gem. Ignore the lousy ratings and enjoy.

I was riveted to the screen watching this movie. It has a special ambiance and quirky quality which reminded me of David Lynch's efforts. Granted the plot gets a bit contrived and murky at times, but I didn't feel it detracted from the overall experience. The quality of the cinematography, the playful reeling out of the plot through time-adjusting edits, and the consistency of the actors' characters made it a special film. One commentator called Baldwin's character zombie-like, but that may have missed the mark. The key character is supposed to be exhausted, at the edge of sleep, and befuddled due to his insomnia. Baldwin played it perfectly. There are a lot of really fun moments in this film, and I might note that it includes one of the most sensual screen kisses ever (notably, both actors were fully clothed). If the plot had received a little more fine-tuning, I would have rated the movie even higher.

This is a great little film. Droll. A twisted tale that doesn't descend into camp or clichés. The music and set design/locations are excellent, the actors are all well cast and it's great to see so many unknowns... casting of 'names' in the support roles would've ruined this film. It's well weighted and well balanced. It's a kind of noirish art film, without the pretentiousness of most 'art' films. There's a fine quality of levity to this film, the ball is kept in the air. Loved some of the set decorations and characterisations, the music is great too. I had to give it a 10 because it's been so unfairly underscored. I think it's an 8 really.Probably everything 'Memento' hoped and failed to be.

An insomniac (Stephen Baldwin) learns how to wake up during a murder investigation that pits him against women that would die to be his secretary, a whacked-out detective searching for the truth and a sleazy diner full of so-called friends that only want to help. Stephen Balwin puts in another regular performance but this time with a script that shines. It is amost cult level...almost.