Film No. 64 (2014) September 8th. 6:30 PM PARADISO Northbridge.
Wish I Was Here
There has been a good deal of publicity prior to the release of Zac Braff's latest film Wish I Was Here. The reason being that his first film Garden State, released 10 years ago, gained such cult status, his next effort was certain to be greeted with some hype. So with all that said, I have to say I loved Garden State and I quite enjoyed Wish I Was Here. I'm wondering however whether my opinion would have been different if I'd never experienced the Garden State phenomena.
Expectation is all important when it comes to movie going. It's like we invest (the price of our ticket) in a new idea and a new talent (Braff) and we are so impressed with the product (Garden State) we can't wait for the next instalment. Then when it takes 10 years to arrive maybe we should lower our expectations. Anyway, it is what it is. Never the less, Wish is an entertaining light weight film which tries a little hard in its endeavours to enlighten middle aged parentsto the idea that along with responsibilities comes new revelations and a time to say enough is enough.
Braff's thirty-something Aiden Bloom is a good guy following a dream to be an actor. His wife Sarah (Kate Hudson) supports him through thick and thin and while he's frustrated (a full family swear jar) he continues to wade through his claustrophobic suburban life. Gabe (Mandy Patinkin), Aiden's dad becomes ill and can no longer pay for his grandchildren's school tuition. There is much levity as we get to know the Bloom family. Both Grace (Joey King) and Tucker (Pierce Gagnon) are likeable pawns in the new dramas which unfold, depicting home schooling and dealing with the imminent death of their grandfather.
While the life lessons Braff taught us in Garden State were uncomplicated and delivered in the confines of just three characters, Wish I Was Here trips up on its own earnestness. In trying to tie his characters into a neat bundle of happily ever after-ness he loses some story telling technique. If you were a fan of Garden State then you are sure to spot those defects. Meanwhile if you've never heard of Braff's first film, go see this one. You are sure to enjoy the light manner in which he broaches serious aspects to life and then blends an appropriate soundtrack over the vision. He's particularly good at choosing music to suit his images. 7GUMS
Expectation is all important when it comes to movie going. It's like we invest (the price of our ticket) in a new idea and a new talent (Braff) and we are so impressed with the product (Garden State) we can't wait for the next instalment. Then when it takes 10 years to arrive maybe we should lower our expectations. Anyway, it is what it is. Never the less, Wish is an entertaining light weight film which tries a little hard in its endeavours to enlighten middle aged parentsto the idea that along with responsibilities comes new revelations and a time to say enough is enough.
Braff's thirty-something Aiden Bloom is a good guy following a dream to be an actor. His wife Sarah (Kate Hudson) supports him through thick and thin and while he's frustrated (a full family swear jar) he continues to wade through his claustrophobic suburban life. Gabe (Mandy Patinkin), Aiden's dad becomes ill and can no longer pay for his grandchildren's school tuition. There is much levity as we get to know the Bloom family. Both Grace (Joey King) and Tucker (Pierce Gagnon) are likeable pawns in the new dramas which unfold, depicting home schooling and dealing with the imminent death of their grandfather.
While the life lessons Braff taught us in Garden State were uncomplicated and delivered in the confines of just three characters, Wish I Was Here trips up on its own earnestness. In trying to tie his characters into a neat bundle of happily ever after-ness he loses some story telling technique. If you were a fan of Garden State then you are sure to spot those defects. Meanwhile if you've never heard of Braff's first film, go see this one. You are sure to enjoy the light manner in which he broaches serious aspects to life and then blends an appropriate soundtrack over the vision. He's particularly good at choosing music to suit his images. 7GUMS
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