Last Kiss (2006) - Review and Analysis by Jason Pitt for Critical-Film.com

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The Last Kiss A film review by Jason Pitt For Critical-film.com   “The Last Kiss” is a film by Tony Goldwynn, and what really strikes me about the film is that it is very much like a script I wrote a few years back, titled ‘Many Splendored Things.' Under the guise of happiness, nearly every character is miserable. Perhaps miserable is too strong a word, maybe discontent is more accurate. I was tired of seeing romantic comedies where love conquers all, and everything ends in such a happy manner. There's a time and a place for that, but occasionally we need to see the truth. The truth is that no one is happy all the time, and sometimes… things just don't work.   The story essentially revolves around the relationships of a group of friends, in particular Zach Braff, and his newly pregnant girlfriend. What comes off initially, as a very happy relationship, is soon revealed to be a man who is completely uncertain of the rest of his life. He's frightened that his life may be a little too planned out, and there may be no more little surprises. So, when he's shown affection from another, younger woman, he looks at it as a chance to do something atypical of the rest of the course of his life. His friends aren't without their problems either, however, as one friend is tired of fighting with his wife, and scared of the effect it may have on their newborn son. Another friend is still completely in love with his ex-girlfriend, who no longer returns his affections. Yet another friend has no focus other than sex. As the film progresses, we start to understand that no one is completely satisfied with their lives, and those who should be, risk throwing it away because they're unsure or scared.   I love it… I love seeing people who are less than perfect. I love seeing people who make mistakes, and have to live with the consequences. Relationships are perfect fodder for a story which essentially deals with imperfections. Both the imperfections of people, and the imperfections which lie underneath seemingly ideal situations. It's almost as if there's a depressing, and sometimes unhealthy underbelly to every relationship… We all know relationships are very rarely as beautiful down deep, as they seem to those viewing from afar.   Despite dealing with some somewhat dark/depressive subject matter, the film maintains its sense of humor, and somehow manages to walk the line between comedy and drama, as finely as one could imagine. We sympathize with the characters despite their actions, because they seem genuine. They remind us of… well, us. They are well realized, both in writing, and in their portrayals by a great cast that includes Zach Braff, Casey Affleck, Eric Christian Olsen, and Rachel Bilson. If there is a standout, however, it would be Tom Wilkinson, who creates a character who is at times uncaring, and cruel, yet still genuinely sympathetic. As the movie progresses Wilkinson pulls in the viewer to the point of caring, perhaps more than we do about the lead characters. It is an incredible feat given ones initial impression of the character.   I recommend “The Last Kiss” very strongly, as it's something we need to see, especially in a time when romantic comedies are a dime a dozen. Some will hate it, but I believe it to be a much needed breath of fresh air, and perhaps even a genuinely important film. Watch it. The funniest thing about the film however, is that it was directed by Tony Goldwin, who played Ted in my personal favorite Christian Slater movie, “Kuffs.” Funny stuff.   (Four stars)   This review was provided in HTML format, as your browser is not capable of displaying flash content. To experience Critical-Film.com the way it was meant to be seen, please download the flash player from <a href="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash&promoid=BIOW">Macromedia</a>.