Review of Wish I Was Here (2014) by Rhynal R — 13 Nov 2014

Director Zach Braff launched a Kickstarter campaign for his comedy film Wish I Was Here, which he co-wrote with his brother Adam J. Braff. Everything was well planned, and amazingly the campaign raised $2 million 3 days after the project was launched! The campaign ended raising $3,105,473 from 46,520 people. The film stars Braff, Josh Gad, Ashley Greene, Kate Hudson, Joey King, and Mandy Patinkin, and it had its world premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival .

The story of Aidan Bloom (Zach Braff), a struggling actor, father and husband, who at 35 is still trying to find a purpose for his life, was very well written. That was the strongest part, even with the melodramatic elements at the end completely taking over the comedy in it! The comedy was fresh and spontaneous, especially when Aidan winds up trying to home school his two children Tucker (Pierce Gagnon) and Grace (Joey King), when his father can no longer afford to pay for private education. Teaching his children about life his way, Aidan gradually discovers some of the parts of himself he couldn't find.

I have to say that the directing and editing part had few obvious issues with some continuity of the scenes and with positioning of the actors. Still I, decided to give a positive review, because it was heartfelt, entertaining, close to real life and I felt good after watching it! Enough for me!