Sadly Over-hyped

Great Film overall

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

'Wish I Was Here' is a very touching film. My best advice is don't go in expecting a hilarious comedy, but nor is it a dour/depressing drama. Braff is steadily becoming an accomplished director, knowing when to lighten the mood, but importantly, when to keep it real and meaningful. In fact, I probably liked 'Wish I Was Here' more than 'Garden State'...The film basically follows Aidan (Braff) and his family as they struggle to live their lives in Los Angeles - he's an out-of-work actor, wife Sarah (Hudson) is in a dull admin job, they can't afford to keep the kids in expensive Jewish school, his brother's an ambitionless drop-out, and to top it all off, his dad has lung cancer. Sounds bad? That's the basic premise - how does the human heart overcome such adversity?Once again, a fantastic soundtrack - featuring Bon Iver, The Shins & Paul Simon - with plenty of lovely moments, whether it's a sight gag (pamphlet container) or a simple explanation of something odd (the contact lenses). There's definitely some funny moments, mostly thanks to the youngest kid, Tucker (Gagnon, from 'Looper' & 'Extant') trying to understand what he's being told. Oh, and Turk from Scrubs turns up briefly! Sure, it gets a bit dramatic in parts and perhaps doesn't have the strongest ending.But, that being said, Grace (King), Gabe (Patinkin) & Noah (Gad) all have some scenes that seriously pull at the heart strings/tear ducts! The delicate moments are handled exceptionally and there's plenty of overt and concealed meanings in most of the scenes.

This doesn't even deserve the one star i am forced to give it. Honestly it is the worst film i have ever seen. It is even worse than the first Flintstones movie. Go and stare at a wall for 90 minutes instead, you will honestly get a lot more out of that. He could've filmed a wall for the 90 minutes and it would've been more interesting. He should have raised funds for charity rather than make this. Please do not allow him to make another movie. Please do not allow him to make another movie. Please do not allow him to make another movie. Please do not allow him to make another movie. Please do not allow him to make another movie. Please do not allow him to make another movie. Please do not allow him to make another movie.

I hate Zach Braff, but not for the reason many of you think. I hate him for not making more movies, because each and every time he does something I'm amazed. I don't think this movie is a paraphrase of Garden-state, but you can see Zach's thumb-prints everywhere. It is deep, touching, makes you think about your life and find the similarities between yourself and the great and complex characters in the movie.And the best part about this movie - Zach made Bon Iver publish a new masterpiece, an amazing song with special tune. I guess Bon Iver and Zach Braff are kind of the same deal - amazing artists, that you crave for more and more of their work, and they don't give it to you in the correct dosage. This cold turkey is killing me.Go see this movie if you haven't so far. Don't expect a thriller or a goofy romantic comedy. Go see it as a self-search journey, you'd love it.

Aidan Bloom (Zach Braff) is a struggling actor. His wife Sarah (Kate Hudson) is tired working as the bread winner. His father Gabe (Mandy Patinkin) is paying for his kids' private school tuition. However Gabe's cancer has returned and he won't be able to pay for school anymore. His kids have to be to homeschooled. Noah (Josh Gad) is his unemployed father-hating trailer-living brother. Noah falls for his neighbor Janine (Ashley Greene) who makes costumes for Comic-con and hates him. Daughter Grace (Joey King) is falling for the dreamy Jesse.I really like Zach Braff's 'Garden State'. However there are little things in this movie that bugged me. The family doesn't seem natural at first. It feels cobbled together like a sitcom family. I don't see Kate Hudson as the mother and I certainly don't see her working in a cubicle. Again, her workplace comedy seems too much like a sitcom. It feels a little fake. The kids are cute but again, I don't believe Zach Braff is their dad. The family does grow on me over time and eventually there are some good moments.There are some slapstick that really bug me for some reason. The rabbi on a segway in the hospital is a bit too much. It's too stupid and seems out of place. I do appreciate Zach trying to add some spirituality into this movie. This has a sweet heartfelt nature but not as much charm as his first effort.