MOVIE REVIEW: Kisses are great, even the ‘Last’ one from Zach Braff
With lighting bolt performances from everyone in the cast, and a beautifully written storyline, “The Last Kiss” will hold you until the very end. This is one of those films that will have you laughing one minute and speechless the next. With Zach Braff (“Garden State”) leading an all-star cast, there are various characters whom we all can relate to and a painfully honest story about happiness, mistakes, doubt and the different directions our lives can take.
Braff plays Michael, a successful architect living peacefully in Wisconsin with his girlfriend of three years, Jenna (Jacinda Barrett, “Ladder 49”). Jenna becomes pregnant, and after they both attend a friend’s wedding reception, marriage is on the mind. With such a big step lying in front of him, Michael begins to evaluate his life and question what he really wants in his future. Having such a simple premise, the story of “The Last Kiss” rings true and believable with a lot of viewers, especially those of us leaving our youth to face the decisions of adulthood.
Some of the film’s characters are faced with decisions other than marriage and family. Divorce, new lovers, abandonment and secret affairs are also presented to Michael as well as to his group of friends. Rachel Bilson (“The O.C.”), playing a bubbly college student, is one such decision-altering factor.
While our 20s are usually represented as bright and full of possibility, “The Last Kiss” displays the 30s as bleak, quiet periods of life where responsibilities multiply and adventure seems to dissolve. But the 30s are still full of possibilities, they’re just full of different ones than in our 20s. And all of the actors give endearing, emotionally strong performances as each character reacts differently to their own possibilities.
To add to the contemplative nature of the film, Blythe Danner (“Huff”) and Tom Wilkinson (“Normal”) play Jenna’s elderly parents who are faced with their own challenges of fidelity and love. Both the problems of young life and old are reflected on one another, reminding us that life is a bumpy journey, not a shiny destination.
Tony Goldwyn (“Someone Like You”) does a wonderful job as director, making the plot’s development so unexpected and yet realistic and easy to identify with. The masterful screenplay, written by Paul Haggis (“Crash”) and Gabriele Muccino (“Remember Me, My Love”), also deserves accolades for being so emotionally compelling without trying too hard.
Mixed in with all of this heavy drama are delightful little drops of comedy, which help the film be more light and enjoyable. But the real delight of this film comes from the performances of its actors. They give portrayals that are charming and foolish, brutal and helpful.
Anyone who is facing the various anxieties of adulthood (which really includes all of us) should see this film. It’s a beautiful reminder that you’re not the only person trying to figure out your life. Problems will happen. Sacrifices will suck. Minds will change. But your adventures won’t ever end, they’ll just take a different direction.
Casey T. Allen is the Utah Statesman movie critic. Comments and suggestions can be sent to caseyal@cc.usu.edu.