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Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week.

Wish I Was Here
Starring: Zach Braff, Kate Hudson, Mandy Patinkin, Joey King, Pierce Gagnon, and Josh Gad
Synopsis: Zach Braff has a certain feel as a filmmaker. He showed that with his debut feature, “Garden State,” in 2004. But Braff is probably better known for his comedic roles, such as the part he played on the long-running sitcom, “Scrubs.” It’s been 10 years since “Garden State,” but Braff is back with another slice of life that looks at the complexity of family and faith. It feels like a natural companion piece while being a completely separate story. In “Garden State,” Braff was a young man, struggling to make it in Hollywood, who returned for his mother’s funeral to re-connect with his estranged family and friends. This story tackles someone who’s a bit further in life, but still grappling with those same struggles and ideas. Braff has a subtle, yet beautiful style. He mixes soundtracks that augment and emphasize the screen action, and mixes comedy and drama in a beautiful way. His films aren’t traditional dramas, and they aren’t traditional comedies, either. They’re slices of life, meant to make you think, engage and leave inspired. While watching “Wish I Was Here,” it was impossible for me not to think of people I know and situations that are similar. That’s the point. This isn’t a grand or obtuse idea; it’s practical and real. The characters are fictional, as is the story, but there is something that feels grounded and honest. Braff co-wrote the screenplay with his brother, Adam, and also directed the film. You can tell it’s deeply personal and a passion project. He pours himself into this film, which is unique and beautifully told. There are a number of powerful stories and sequences within the film. Braff does a great job in the lead role, and so, too, do King and Gagnon as his kids. Many of the best sequences in the film are the way he interacts with his children, and how they all grow as a result. Also strong is Patinkin, as the bristly Gabe. His character was one that many will likely recognize from their own lives, and it was fascinating to see how he changed through the whole process. The way he comes around and reconciles with his sons is powerful in its own way. Finally, Hudson shines in a different kind of role. Many probably think of her in light-hearted comedies, but perhaps her best work was in “Almost Famous,” a role that mixed comedy and drama. You see more of that in her work here, as she has some more emotional scenes, particularly one opposite Patinkin. She adds heart to the film, and her character serves as the glue that holds the Bloom family together. “Wish I Was Here” is a beautiful film, the kind you don’t typically think of during summer. It’s probably not a film that will appeal to everyone, but it’s one that has some laughs, some tender moments and makes you think about family and what matters most. That makes it a success.
Rating: R for language and some sexual content. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, August 1 — "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Get On Up"

Friday, August 8 — "The 100 Foot Journey," "Into The Storm," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"

Wednesday, August 13 — "Let's Be Cops"

Friday, August 15 — "The Expendables 3," "The Giver"

Friday, August 22 — "When The Game Stands Tall," "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For," "If I Stay"

Wednesday, August 27 — "November Man"

Friday, August 29 — "As Above, So Below"