'Wish I Was Here' Review

By Camden Joiner on July 29, 2014

Image via filmguide.sundance.org

Zach Braff’s Kickstarter-funded project Wish I Was Here hit theaters last weekend across the nation. The script was penned by the Braff Brothers and is Zach’s sophomore directorial film. The film stars Zach Braff in the lead role and he is supported by Kate Hudson, Josh Gad, and Mandy Patinkin. Wish I Was Here has a much different upbeat tone than Braff’s debut effort Garden State, but this new ambiance suits him much better.

The film surrounds a man at a crossroads, perhaps a mid-life crisis come early. Aidan (Zach Braff) is a struggling actor who financially is bringing next to nothing to his family’s table. His father’s cancer has returned, beginning a snowball effect of troubles for Aidan. He can no longer afford his kid’s school tuition and his wife Sarah (Kate Hudson) wants him to get a real job. Aidan receives little help from his estranged brother Noah (Josh Gad) and the Jewish leaders at Temple, so he’s forced to seek out an epiphany.

Wish I Was Here‘s true heart and appeal comes in little pieces of dialogue throughout the film. Sarah and Aidan’s father have never seen eye-to-eye, but they do share a love for family, even if they show it in very different ways. Hudson gives a good performance, namely in her pivotal scene with Aidan’s dying father. Noah’s revealing  admission to Aidan’s daughter Grace (Joey King) was an emotional tear-jerker and was executed flawlessly. Perhaps the real revelation of Wish I Was Here is 14-year-old Joey King who gives an unexpected quality performance. Her natural talent promises a bright future for her in Hollywood for years to come. Gad is in usual superior form and Braff gives a typical performance. Unfortunately for Zach Braff, he seemingly has become content with roles where he can essentially play himself. His move to Broadway this summer was a challenging decision and I hope he seeks more difficult parts in the future.

Wish I Was Here is a cinematic experience most could enjoy and relate to. You can expect the consistent Braff silliness from his days on Scrubs, complete with a Donald Faison cameo, but it doesn’t detract from the message. During an important crossroads, many reach for solidarity and epiphanies to will themselves to the other side. But as Aidan eventually realized, you can get by much easier with just a little help from family and friends.

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