Wish I Was Here

"A decade on from his fairly beloved filmmaking debut Garden State, Zach Braff’s second effort is a tricky one to value. It’s a dramedy that mixes some often misplaced drama with some often misjudged comedy. But within this trove of mild faults are a small number of successful platitudes about ageing, penance, and (hold your breath) faith that check enough cerebral boxes to make the experience worth a watch – at home, at least."

"Zach Braff tries - and fails - for a thirtysomething 'Garden State' redux..."

"There’s an unevenness to the script but there are genuinely touching moments amid the slush."

"Some will find the director’s toothless brand of epiphany comforting (and download his mixtape), but the vast majority will find it tired."

"You are aware of how carefully its elements - from fantasy sci-fi sequences to deathbed confessions - are measured out in teaspoons."

"As phony as they come."

"A funny and emotionally satisfying tale of thirtysomethings trying to come to terms with life itself ... Feels like a Garden State for grown-ups."

"Braff's wholehearted embrace of weepie clichés clashes with the movie's more side-eyed and profane observations."

"Braff is reaching for answers to really big questions, but they are, just slightly, beyond his grasp."