Wish I Was Here

We see comedy films quite often and sometimes we whince of how bad they are, or at other times, see them with a sense of elation at what we are witnessing on that screen, but rarely do we experience a film, that is considered a 'dramedy' (comedy/drama) that is of poor quality. Many have been made as far back as "Chapter Two" '79, to "Lost in Yonkers" '93, to "Juno" and "Lars and the Real Girl" both in '07. Now to add to this delicious list is "Wish I Was Here". I could mention comedies that don't even come close to the caliber of the films mentioned, but that list could fill an entire review. Later.

This is the story of Aidan Bloom (Zach Braff), a struggling actor, father and husband, who at 35 years old is still trying to find his identity; a purpose for his life. While he's between acting gigs, his wife Sarah (Kate Hudson) brings home the bacon only being frustrated herself. When Aidan learns that his father, Gabe (Mandy Patinkin) has terminal cancer and can no longer pay for Aidan's private school for his kids, Grace (Joey King) and Tyler (Pierce Gagnon). He winds up trying to home school them especially since the only public school available is on its last leg. Through teaching them about life his way, Aidan gradually discovers some of the parts of himself he couldn't find, such as attempting to reconcile his dad's and his brother's Noah (Josh Gad) relationship. It is though Aidan is forced, at an early age, to endure a mid-life crisis whether he realizes it or not.

Others to round out the cast are Jim Parsons as Paul, Mark Thudium as Terry, Alexander Chaplin as Rabbi Rosenberg, Michael Weston as Jerry, Allan Rich as Rabbi Twersky, Ashley Greene as Janine, Donald Faison as Anthony and Cody Sullivan as Jesse.

This was poignantly and honestly directed by the smart Zach Braff ("Garden State" '04, "Night Life" (TV movie) '08). It is difficult, at best, to direct actors in a dramedy, because their characters must change their mood, sometimes in the same scene, and make it look natural instead of forced. This is something seasoned directors have problems with, but Braff seems to succeed at this effortlessly. It was equally well written by Braff as well, and besides a couple of slow places in script, this screenplay was spot on. One scene where Sarah (Hudson) and Gabe (Patinkin) are conversing in his hospital room was so poignant and compassionate that I started to get misty-eyed. Braff obviously shined in this, but both Hudson and Gad also as well. Braff is certainly a filmmaker to contend with, and after this, will certainly be approached to write and direct another project.

Certainly after viewing this, one can tell that Braff is a natural filmmaker, and we will only be the victors when he is able to grace us with yet aaanother story as poignant, humorous, dramatic and compassionate as this one.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                             Rated: R                             105mins.