“Wish I Was Here”
Rated R
Starring: Zach Braff, Kate Huson, Joey King, and Josh Gad
Directed by: Zach Braff
Written by: Zach Braff and Adam J. Braff
Rating: 3/5
Aidan Bloom (Braff) is a 35-year-old man who finds himself at major crossroads, which forces him to examine his life, his career, and his family.
10 years after his critically acclaimed, Garden State, Zach Braff returns with a similar heartfelt, thought provoking film. One that is heightened by it’s unique soundtrack. Though the premise has been done, I never mind a film that encourages audiences to find their true happiness in life. Added Bonus-mini Scrubs reunion!
“Boyhood”
Rated R
Starring: Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, and Lorelei Linklater
Directed/Written by: Richard Linklater
Rating: 5/5
Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s BOYHOOD is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes.
Linklater has made cinematic history with this true coming-of-age story. Set to an amazing soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay’s Yellow to Arcade Fire’s Deep Blue. As of now, easily the best direction in a film this year. As you watch Mason (Coltrane) and his family through the years, you can’t help but think about your own life journey.
“Wish I was Here” and “Boyhood” open in select theaters on July 18.
The romance isn’t bottled up in one little attic this time around. Cathy, who is now played by a sensual Rose McIver (The Lovely Bones), may be in love with her brother, but she’s able to heat up the television screen with ANY man she’s making love to. Sadly, that temperature is only one-sided when she is embraced with Christopher. Wyatt Nash (Pretty Little Liars) plays the stoic brother who gives a lifeless and disappointing performance. Luckily, if you keep your eyes on Cathy you might not be able to notice, and either way you still root for this disturbing relationship. An emotionally scarred Carrie is impressively performed by Bailey Buntain (Bunheads) and both Ellen Burstyn and Heather Graham reprise their roles as the children’s wicked grandmother and devious mom.
It may sound like a lot to take in, but it is all handled in a controlled approach. You won’t ever really be on the edge of your seat in this film. The moment you almost think you’re in for some suspense, it will quickly be squashed by a reaffirming scene that guarantees everything is okay. Luckily, Mom’s Night Out’s main focus is not about the mystery or how everything can go wrong in one night. This film is sending a message, surprisingly, a spiritual one that is delivered through small doses of liberal Christian sermons. These sermons try to disguise themselves as casual conversation that somehow never feels out of place. Early in the film we meet the three women at church and you are aware this is going to be a faith-based film, geared to resonate with young parents and multigenerational families.
The acting is what saves this film from being a potentially cheesy predictable comedy. Sarah Drew does a great job embodying a frantic mother who is just about ready to explode at any minute. While Sean Astin plays a more subtle and less comedic supporting husband role. I personally enjoyed the relationship between Patricia Heaton’s character and her teenage daughter (Sammi Hanratty). The two played off each other well, and portrayed one of the more genuine arguments in parenting. Country singer, Trace Adkins, plays a biker tattoo artist that comes to the women’s rescue at their time of desperation. He fails when trying to deliver moments of laughter. But in a climactic scene that is both touching and revealing to the film’s theme, Adkins gives an effortless speech that seemingly comes from the heart as he mentions Jesus and his own mom. He explains to Allyson that she shouldn’t be so hard on herself, questioning whether or not she’s doing things right. He continues to say that Allyson’s role as a mom is not one that she chose, but was chosen for her by God.
At first the two are taken aback by the idea of raising Dido, especially since they are already caring for her cousin, Elizabeth Murray (Sarah Godson). It isn’t long before the couple fall in love with Dido and treat her as if she were their own daughter. The only difference is she is excluded from certain events that Elizabeth is allowed to attend, and she can not to eat dinner with the family when guests are in attendance. So yeah…basically she’s living the dream life. The funny thing is; Dido’s father has left her his entire inheritance so she is rich! She doesn’t need a man to take care of her, unlike her cousin who desperately is seeking a wealthy husband. Elizabeth’s father has left her nothing; therefore she is “penniless,” which apparently was a major turn off to guys back then. It’s not exactly something Elizabeth wants to publicize to her top choice suitor (Tom Felton) either.
Dido, on the other hand, has different conflicts to deal with once a romantic relationship develops between her and an outspoken young lawyer, John Davinier (Sam Reid). A union that Lord Mansfield strongly disapproves of because he feels Dido is of higher class, even though Davinier is his legal apprentice. Their romance is sweet and best of all, it isn’t rushed. It is easy to root for this couple from the moment they first meet.
Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) have just moved into the perfect home with their beautiful new born baby. Kelly is a stay at home mom who gets to spend all day with baby Stella. Mac works a 9-5 desk job that he tries to endure with a little bit of help from “Mary Jane.” Their days are starting to feel routine, and they are unable to go out because of the baby. It’s beginning to feel stagnant for the new parents. But all that changes when we hear the sound of the boisterous fraternity that has moved in next door. In hopes of keeping this a quiet neighborhood for their little girl, the couple head to the frat’s first rowdy party. What was supposed to be a quick noise complaint visit turned into a refreshing night out for Mac and Kelly. And after having what will probably be remembered as the best debate over “who is Batman,” Teddy and Mac form a bond and an understanding of trust is made. Unfortunately that trust is broken within 24 hours, and leads to an epic war between the two houses.
Neighbors is not just carried by their two stars. This film has a strong supporting comedic cast filled with even better cameos. Rose Byrne is the perfect mix of wit and wholesome beauty. Dave Franco plays Teddy’s Vice President, Pete, and shares great chemistry with his fraternity brother. Young Franco is easily following in the footsteps of his talented, successful older brother; and I look forward to seeing him in many more projects, hopefully in leading roles. A shout out also goes to The Mindy Project’s co-writer and cast member, Ike Barinholtz. Like on his sitcom, Barinholtz’s role as Rogen’s best friend may not be huge, but produces enough chuckles to make him memorable.
It should come as no surprise that Kate Upton has not grown into her full acting potential, if she has any that is. Each time she delivered a line, it was as if she had to think twice afterwards to make sure it came out correctly. Although, I will admit, she is gorgeous. All you guys who get dragged along to see the movie will have some nice eye candy to help endure this disaster.
