Wish I Was Here

How do you know when it’s time to stop chasing your dreams? In Zach Braff’s second directorial feature, this dilemma weighs heavily on Aidan (played by Braff), an out-of-work actor who relies on his wife (Hudson) to pay the bills. After learning that his father is dying of cancer, Aidan begins to seriously re-evaluate his life, while financial problems force him to home-school the kids for the rest of the semester.  

The biggest problem with Wish I Was Here is that it tries to do too much. Braff’s ambitions are admirable, and it’s great that he gives everyone their own arc, but there are so many themes and plot threads that the film lacks focus. Still, the former Scrubs star produces some lovely moments, and while certain elements of the picture don’t work – such as its fantasy daydream sequences – the supporting cast are always engaging. [Stephen Carty]