The Last Kiss

I have been a fanm of Zach Braff since I first saw Scrubs and enjoyed his debut film as writer/director Garden State when it was released last year. In The Last Kiss he proves again what a versatile actor he can be and has chosen a smart film to further his transfer from sitcom star to Hollywood actor. Here he plays Michael, a typical guy settled in a relationship with a child on way who starts to panic when he looks at his future and sees no surprises. Enter The O.C's Rachel Bilson as the teenage temptress Kim, who Michael meets at a wedding and continues to see, unsure exactly of what he is doing or why. As well as this central story the film follows three of Michael's close friends all dealing with different aspects of being in their late 20s and coping with maturity and adulthood. This film is a smart and refreshing look at relationships, the characters are often unsympathetic and realistic and are each responsible for the problems they find themselves in. Unlike many similar films these are flawed people, something that is unusual but the film always stops them completely crossing the line, keeping them likeable and the audience interested. the acting all-round is good with Braff impressing in a more dramatic role than usual. There are still hgints of his Scrubs personna but he makes Michael's life-crisis believeable, and brings real weight to the dramatic scenes when needed. The film does get pretty serious as well and those expecting a frothy Hollywood romance will be suprised, but like I said it makes a refreshing change. The film was written by Paul Haggis, of Crash fame and unlike that film this just about dodges an overdramatic tone and ends on a perfect note of hope amongst pain. So if you are on the look out for a more realistic and grounded film about adulthood and having to grow up this could be the film for you, just don't go in expecting any happily ever afters. A refreshingly open and honest romantic comedy with more focus on drama and the realities of relationships than comic mishaps. Great performances ground it, but the slightly cynical edge may make it hard to enjoy and sympathise with the characters.