Zach Braff (Garden State, Scrubs) heads an all-star ensemble cast in this warm-hearted comedy drama by Academy Award winning screenwriter Paul Haggis (Crash, Million Dollar Baby).Starring Jacinda Barrett (Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason), Casey Affleck (Ocean’s 11) and Rachel Bilson (The O.C), The Last Kiss charts the emotional awakening of a close-knit group of college friends as they reach a crossroads in their lives.Michael (Braff) is about to turn 30 and from the outside life seems perfect: he has a fantastic job, a great group of friends and is living with the girl of his dreams, but when he meets Kim (Bilson), a free-spirited college student, he begins to doubt his readiness to cross the line between young adulthood and the rest of his life. Directed by Tony Goldwyn (Animal Attraction), The Last Kiss, released on rental DVD on 29 January 2007 and retail DVD on 12 February 2007 by Momentum Pictures is a quirky and humorous look at contemporary love and life.The film possesses unequivocal humour and heart, but also manages to steer clear of Hollywood cliché, focusing on the messy intricacies of love without descending into pat romantic formula.It is a welcome breath of fresh air in the arena of modern cinema: an unconventional movie that can move you to tears as easily as it can make you cry with laughter.
The film captured both audiences and critics alike upon its release, due in no small part to an intelligent script, down-to-earth characterisation, and astute performances.
Zach Braff was particularly of note in the leading role. “Zach gives the film an identity in terms of reality,” says director Goldwyn. “He’s a real person; he also has a very distinct kind of wit and sense of humour, as well as intelligence and an offbeat quality. He makes you feel that there’s a real guy on the movie screen, but of course, he’s still a leading man.”
Braff is no stranger to quirky independent cinema (he recently made his own writer/directorial debut with the cult classic Garden State), and was drawn to the role of Michael because of the ways it rang true to real life. “I just turned 30 and was starting to ask the same questions of myself that Michael asks…” the actor muses. “I think all of us in the cast found something in common with the characters we played.”
A film to be understood and enjoyed by anyone who has been in love, and a film to be cherished by those of you who simply love to laugh, The Last Kiss is a rare gem that is not to be missed.The Last Kiss