Director:
Tony Goldwyn

Cast:
Zach Braff
Jacinda Barrett
Casey Afleck
Rachel Bilson

Official URL:

http://www.lastkissmovie.com

Country: USA
Rating: R
Studio Name: Paramount Pictures
Running Time: 1 hr 36 mins
Release Date: September 15, 2006

Critics's Rating:
(3 1/2 out of 4 Reels) 

September 15, 2006

By Veronica Mixon

Zach Braff, best known for his comedic role in TV’s Scrubs, is fast becoming the whining, sensitive guy who refuses to commit to relationships, i.e., adulthood in the movies. In his latest film, The Last Kiss, Braff plays Michael, a 29-year-old architect with a pregnant girlfriend, who yearns for something – he doesn’t know what! – more! He knows that Jenna (Jacinda Barrett The Human Stain) is a decent, loving young woman who rightly wants to get married and buy a house. She has the support of her long married parents, Stephen and Anna played superbly by Tom Wilkinson (In the Bedroom) and Blythe Danner (Meet the Parents). But, Michael has a bunch of friends whose lives are messy and less settled than his and in one foolish moment, he jeopardizes his solid relationship.

When he meets a pretty 20-year-old coed, Kim (played beautifully by Rachel Bilson, best known as the vapid teen on TV’s The OC) is flattered and tempted by her interest in him. He ignores the intense pain of one friend who has just been dumped by his long-time girlfriend and the anguish of fellow architect, Chris (Casey Affleck) who realizes that his marriage has failed. Even the sudden explosion of secrets from Jenna’s parents doesn’t convince him that he’s truly lucky at this time in his life. Michael is so self-absorbed that everyone else’s pain can be easily swept aside. It’s not until Kim shows that she wants exactly what he already has, that Michael realizes his mistake.

The Last Kiss is smart, intelligent and well-crafted drama that doesn’t just present cliché romantic situations but illuminates the complexities of adult relationships. On the big screen, Zach Braff loses his cuteness that he displays in Scrubs. He looks like an OK-yuppie who manages to get more than his share of pretty girls. It’s movie magic! But, his poignant performance is perfect. Director Tony Goldwyn and writer Paul Haggis have also written some interesting women. Both Jacinda Barrett and Rachel Bilson are excellent, too. But, the big surprise is Casey Affleck, who has created a solid body of work while living under the shadow of his big brother, Ben. He’s a fine actor. And, veteran actress Blythe Danner is wonderful as well.

to TOP