Review of Wish I Was Here (2014) by Casey B — 24 Feb 2015
Sometimes the critics get it wrong. I can only presume that the negative reactions to Wish I Was Here are a result of its Kickstarter orgins and/or the fact that perceptions of Garden State have (unfairly) shifted since the its initial impact altered the indie landscape.
Despite a couple small missteps (mostly in it's 3rd act), Braff's new film is a thoughtful, perceptive and poignant exploration of identity, adulthood and death. The script is littered with astute observations and minor philosophical quandries of both the humorous and dramatic variety. The execution is ambitious, intimate and sincere.
The cinematography and production design are solid and the acting, while not mind blowing, gets the job done. Kate Hudson hasn't been this good in a long while. The only aspect of Wish I Was Here that can be called truly disappointing is the soundtrack which is comprised of well known, thrice recycled songs.
All this to say, sometimes the critics get it wrong.
This review of Wish I Was Here (2014) was written by Casey B on 24 Feb 2015.
Wish I Was Here has generally received positive reviews.
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