DVD Review: DEAD AWAKE starring Nick Stahl, Rose McGowan and Amy Smart

Dead Awake is a suspenseful romantic thriller directed by Omar Naim based on a script written by Johnny Harrington and Justin Urich. The film stars Nick Stahl, Rose McGowan and Amy Smart. The film follows "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."

Dylan's life is not really going anywhere. He lost his parents ten years ago in a strange car crash and is currently working in a funeral parlor. His life really is not what he had planned and he realizes that while working the funeral of a high school classmate. While there, he see's his ex-girlfriend (Amy Smart). At the recommendation of this boss at the funeral parlor, Dylan decides to fake his death as a prank to see who which of his friends if any, would show up at the funeral. A crack addict (McGowan), who attends funerals of random people shows up and Dylan's life takes a very odd turn. I can't go into more detail without spoiling the film. 

I went into this film not having many expectations and was pleasantly surprised. This is one of those films that will keep you thinking throughout. It also has a pretty cool twist ending. For a low budget film, Dead Awake has an interesting story, simple yet decent special effects and solid performances by the cast. This is one of Stahl's better roles in awhile, and McGowan was fairly believable as a crack addict. If you are a fan of Sixth Sense and are looking for a decent film then Dead Awake fit's the bill. 

5/10

You can purchase Dead Awake on Blu-ray, DVD and Amazon Instant Video. Check out the trailer for the film here.