Watch Wish I Was Here

Wish I Was Here is a 2014 American comedy-drama film directed by and starring Zach Braff. The movie was funded through a Kickstarter campaign and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2014. The film also stars Joey King, Pierce Gagnon, Kate Hudson, Mandy Patinkin, and Josh Gad. Wish I Was Here follows the life of Aidan Bloom (Zach Braff), a struggling actor, husband, and father living in Los Angeles. Aidan's life takes a turn when he learns that his father (Mandy Patinkin) has been diagnosed with cancer and can no longer pay for Aidan's children to attend their Jewish private school. Instead of sending his kids to public school, Aidan decides to homeschool them, causing tension in his marriage to Sarah (Kate Hudson).

Throughout the film, Aidan struggles to balance his responsibility as a father and caregiver for his father while also trying to find meaning in his own life. His journey is made all the more difficult as he grapples with his own religious beliefs and the concept of a higher power.

Joey King and Pierce Gagnon play Aidan's children, Grace and Tucker, respectively. Grace is a precocious and mature thirteen-year-old who acts as a surrogate mother to Tucker, who is six years old and has a vivid imagination. The sibling relationship between Grace and Tucker provides a heartwarming and comedic relief to the often-dramatic storyline.

The movie also features a standout performance from Josh Gad, who plays Aidan's brother, Noah. Noah is estranged from his family and resents their religious traditions throughout the film, providing a different perspective on the Jewish faith.

With its themes of family, religion, and mortality, Wish I Was Here is a poignant and thought-provoking film that many audience members can relate to. The film’s soundtrack also features indie rock bands such as The Shins and Bon Iver, providing a laid-back and introspective soundtrack that complements the film's tone.

Overall, Wish I Was Here is a heartfelt and emotional film that delves into complex themes while also providing moments of levity and humor. Braff's direction, performances from the cast, and poignant script all come together to make this film a must-watch.

Wish I Was Here is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 43.