Wish I Was Here is a 2014 American comedy-drama film directed by Zach Braff and co-written with his brother Adam Braff. The film stars Braff, Josh Gad, Ashley Greene, Kate Hudson, Joey King, and Mandy Patinkin. The film had its world premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2014 and was given a limited release on July 18, 2014 by Focus Features.
Plot
Aidan Bloom (Braff) is a 35-year-old father of two struggling to be an actor in L.A. while his wife, Sarah (Kate Hudson) works a tedious data job. In order to send their kids, Tucker (Pierce Gagnon) and Grace (Joey King) to a good school, they rely on help from Aidan's father, Gabe (Mandy Patinkin), who insisted they go to an Orthodox Jewish day school.
When Gabe reveals his cancer has come back, he tells Aidan that he's decided to put the rest of his money into treatment, meaning his grandkids can no longer afford to attend their school. After the school refuses to provide any aid to the Blooms because Aidan's career is his "choice" and other families have greater needs, Sarah suggests that Aidan homeschool his kids, and their adventure of self-discovery begins. Through teaching them about life his way, Aidan gradually discovers some of the parts of himself he couldn't find.
Cast
- Zach Braff as Aidan Bloom
- Kate Hudson as Sarah Bloom
- Joey King as Grace Bloom
- Pierce Gagnon as Tucker Bloom
- Mandy Patinkin as Gabe Bloom
- Josh Gad as Noah Bloom
- Ashley Greene as Janine
- Jim Parsons as Paul
- Donald Faison as Anthony
- Phill Lewis as Nerd
- Leslie David Baker as Audition actor #1
- James Avery as Audition actor #2
- Mark Thudium as Terry
- Bob Clendenin as Defense attorney
Production
On April 24, 2013, director Zach Braff launched a Kickstarter campaign for his comedy film Wish I Was Here, aiming to make $2 million to boost the project, based on a script he co-wrote with his brother Adam J. Braff. Cinematographer Larry Sher was set as director of photography and producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher were set to produce the project. The campaign raised $2 million 3 days after the project was launched. On 15 May Worldview Entertainment stepped in to gap finance the project, which at that point had raised over $2.6 million. On May 24 the campaign ended, having raised $3,105,473 from 46,520 people.
At the film's New York premiere, actress Joey King stated that she donated money to the film on Kickstarter before she was even attached as a cast member.
Casting
At the time the Kickstarter was launched, Zach Braff and Jim Parsons had already been cast. Braff played Aidan Bloom, a struggling actor, husband and father trying to find his purpose. On May 14, 2013, Mandy Patinkin joined the cast, playing Gabe Bloom, Aidan's father. Josh Gad also joined the cast to play the role of Aidan's brother. On May 15, Anna Kendrick signed on to play Janine, a young woman into Cosplay. Kate Hudson joined on May 20 to play Sarah Bloom, Aidan's wife. Joey King was set to play Grace Bloom, the 12-year-old daughter of Aidan and Sarah Bloom, on July 2, 2013. Pierce Gagnon was added to the cast on 9 July, to play Tucker Bloom, son of Aidan and Sarah. On 17 July, it was announced that Ashley Greene would replace Anna Kendrick as Janine.
Following the death of actor James Avery in late 2013, a publicist speaking on his behalf stated that Wish I Was Here was his final work.
Filming
Principal photography took 25 days, beginning on August 5, 2013 in Los Angeles and ending on September 6, 2013.
Release
The film's first trailer was released on April 9, 2014.
The film had its world premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival in January 2014, 10 years after the premiere of Braff's directorial debut Garden State. Focus Features bought the distribution rights for $2.75 million.
After its opening at Sundance, it was announced that the film would open on July 18, 2014, exclusively in NY and LA. The release ended up a bit wider, playing in 68 theaters during its opening weekend. The then expanded on July 25.
Critical reception
Wish I Was Here received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes the film holds a rating of 46% based on 112 reviews, with the site's consensus reading: "There's no denying Wish I Was Here is heartfelt, but it covers narrative ground that's already been well trod -- particularly by director Zach Braff's previous features." On Metacritic the film has a score of 43 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for the film includes an original song by The Shins, an original song by Bon Iver, and an original title track by Coldplay, recorded by Cat Power.
- "So Now What" by The Shins
- "Broke Window" by Gary Jules
- "The Mute" by Radical Face
- "Cherry Wine" (Live) by Hozier
- "Holocene" by Bon Iver
- "The Shining" by Badly Drawn Boy
- "Mexico" by Jump Little Children
- "Wish I Was Here" by Cat Power and Coldplay
- "Wait It Out" by Allie Moss
- "The Obvious Child" by Paul Simon
- "Breathe In" by Japanese Wallpaper featuring Wafia
- "Heavenly Father" by Bon Iver
- "Raven's Song" by Aaron Embry
- "Mend" by The Weepies
- "No One to Let You Down" by The Head and the Heart
References
External links
- Wish I Was Here at the Internet Movie Database
- Wish I Was Here at Rotten Tomatoes
- Wish I Was Here at Kickstarter
