Wish I Was Here

Wish I Was Here is a 2014 American comedy-drama film directed by Zach Braff and co-written with his brother Adam Braff.[4] The film stars Zach Braff, Josh Gad, Ashley Greene, Kate Hudson, Joey King and Mandy Patinkin. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2014[5] and was given a limited release on July 18, 2014 by Focus Features. This marked the final film appearances for James Avery and Allan Rich before their deaths on December 31, 2013 and August 22, 2020 respectively.

Wish I Was Here
Theatrical release poster
Directed byZach Braff
Produced by
Written by
  • Zach Braff
  • Adam Braff
Starring
Music byRob Simonsen
CinematographyLawrence Sher
Edited byMyron Kerstein
Production
company
Distributed byFocus Features
Release date
Running time
107 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$6 million[2]
Box office$5.5 million[3]

Plot

Aidan Bloom is a 35-year-old father of two struggling to be an actor in Los Angeles while his wife, Sarah works a tedious data job. In order to send their kids, Tucker and Grace, to a good school, they rely on help from Aidan's father, Gabe, 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 a new stem cell treatment, meaning his grandchildren can no longer afford to attend their school. After school administrator Rabbi Twersky refuses to provide any aid to the Blooms, 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.

His brother Noah is a virtual shut-in who can only be bribed to babysit for his brother and refuses to see his dying father, from whom he is estranged. Noah falls for his neighbour Janine who is a furry costume maker, which gives him the idea to impress her by making a costume for San Diego Comic-Con.

As Gabe nears death, Aidan grows closer to his wife and children, his faith through the support of young Rabbi Rosenberg, his brother and his father.

Cast

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.[4] Cinematographer Larry Sher was set as director of photography[6] and producers Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher were set to produce the project.[4] The campaign raised $2 million 3 days after the project was launched.[7] On May 15, 2013, Worldview Entertainment stepped in to gap finance the project, which at that point had raised over $2.6 million.[8] The campaign ended on May 24, 2013, and raised $3,105,473 from 46,520 people.[9]

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.[10]

Casting

At the time the Kickstarter was launched, Zach Braff and Jim Parsons had already been cast.[4] Braff plays Aidan Bloom, a struggling actor, husband and father trying to find his purpose.[11] On May 14, 2013, Mandy Patinkin joined the cast, playing Gabe Bloom, Aidan's father.[12] Josh Gad also joined the cast to play the role of Aidan's brother.[13] On May 15, Anna Kendrick signed on to play Janine, a young woman who is into Cosplay.[14] Kate Hudson joined on May 20 to play Sarah Bloom, Aidan's wife.[15] Joey King was set to play Grace Bloom, the 12-year-old daughter of Aidan and Sarah Bloom, on July 2, 2013.[16] Pierce Gagnon was added to the cast on July 9, to play Tucker Bloom, son of Aidan and Sarah.[17] On July 17, it was announced that Ashley Greene would replace Anna Kendrick as Janine.[18]

Filming

Principal photography took 25 days, beginning on August 5, 2013 in Los Angeles and ending on September 6, 2013.[19]

Release

The film's first trailer was released on April 9, 2014.[20]

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.[21] Focus Features bought the distribution rights for $2.75 million.[22]

After its opening at Sundance, it was announced that the film would open on July 18, 2014, exclusively in New York and Los Angeles. The release ended up a bit wider, playing in 68 theaters during its opening weekend. The release then expanded on July 25.[23] The special preview screening in London was attended by Kate Hudson and Zach Braff on September 18, 2014.[24]

Critical reception

Wish I Was Here received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval of 46%, based on 127 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."[25] On Metacritic the film has a score of 43 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[26]

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 with Cat Power.

  1. "So Now What" by The Shins
  2. "Broke Window" by Gary Jules
  3. "The Mute" by Radical Face
  4. "Cherry Wine" (Live) by Hozier
  5. "Holocene" by Bon Iver
  6. "The Shining" by Badly Drawn Boy
  7. "Mexico" by Jump Little Children
  8. "Wish I Was Here" by Cat Power and Coldplay
  9. "Wait It Out" by Allie Moss
  10. "The Obvious Child" by Paul Simon
  11. "Breathe In" by Japanese Wallpaper (featuring Wafia)
  12. "Heavenly Father" by Bon Iver
  13. "Raven's Song" by Aaron Embry
  14. "Mend" by The Weepies
  15. "No One to Let You Down" by The Head and the Heart

References
  1. "WISH I WAS HERE (15)". Koch Film. British Board of Film Classification. July 28, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  2. "Zach Braff's Wish I Was Here is becoming a PR nightmare". Flavorwire.com. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  3. "Wish I Was Here". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  4. "Zach Braff Explains Why He Turned to Kickstarter for New Indie Film". hollywoodreporter.com. April 24, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  5. "Sundance 2014: World Cinema Dramatic Competition". Retrieved May 5, 2014.
  6. "Zach Braff Launches Kickstarter Campaign For New Directorial Effort 'Wish I Was Here'". indiewire.com. April 24, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  7. "Zach Braff's 'Wish I Was Here' Kickstarter Hits $2 Million Goal In 3 Days". deadline.com. April 27, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  8. "Zach Braff Kickstarter Project Gets Gap Financing". variety.com. May 15, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  9. "Zach Braff Ends $3+M Kickstarter Campaign". deadline.com. May 24, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  10. Lewis, Hilary (July 15, 2014). "'Wish I Was Here' N.Y. Premiere: Zach Braff, Cast on Kickstarter Benefits, Character Draws". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  11. "Mandy Patinkin Joins Zach Braff's 'Wish I Was Here'". variety.com. May 14, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  12. "Mandy Patinkin Joins Zach Braff's Kickstarter Pic 'Wish I Was Here'". deadline.com. May 14, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  13. "Josh Gad Joins Zach Braff's 'Wish I Was Here'". variety.com. May 15, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  14. "Anna Kendrick Joins Zach Braff's 'Wish I Was Here' Kickstarter Movie". thewrap.com. May 15, 2012. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  15. "Kate Hudson Joins Zach Braff's Kickstarter Movie 'Wish I Was Here'". deadline.com. May 20, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  16. "Joey King Joins 'Wish I Was Here'". deadline.com. July 2, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  17. "'Looper's Pierce Gagnon Joins 'Wish I Was Here'". deadline.com. July 9, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  18. "Ashley Greene In For Anna Kendrick On Zach Braff's Kickstarter Pic 'Wish I Was Here'". deadline.com. July 17, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  19. "Zach Braff's 'I Wish I Was Here' begins filming in Los Angeles". onlocationvacations.com. August 8, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2013.
  20. Sciretta, Peter (April 9, 2014). "Zach Braff's 'Wish I Was Here' Teaser Trailer". slashfilm.com. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  21. "2014 Sundance Film Festival Adds Wish I Was Here by Zach Braff to Premieres". Sundance.org. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  22. Stewart, Andrew (January 19, 2014). "Zach Braff's 'Wish I Was Here' Bought by Focus Features". variety.com. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  23. "Zach Braff's 'Wish I Was Here' Gets Focus Release Date". indiewire.com. February 27, 2014. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  24. "Ikon London Magazine coverage from the London Special Screening". Ikon London Magazine. September 18, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  25. "Wish I Was Here". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  26. "Wish I Was Here Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
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