MySpace or Yours Movie and a Profile:The Last Kiss

Due to the great response I got from the “Top 10” I thought you might like to get my thoughts on movies that aren’t exactly considered “blockbusters” or “must see’s.” While I’m at it I’ll also give a short review of the movie’s MySpace page. If you enjoy these leave a comment and let me know so I know I’m not boring you. So to start this off right we’ll begin with a recent new indie release: “The Last Kiss.” Note: There are some spoilers in here, be aware.

Now “The Last Kiss” stars Zach Braff, Rachel Bilson, Jacinda Barrett, and Blythe Danner. The film revolves around Braff’s character, Michael, a man who’s about to turn thirty and seems to be living the high life. He’s about to have a child with the woman he loves (Barrett) and has amazing friends played by Casey Affleck and Eric Christian Olsen. As thirty slowly approaches Michael begins to think that “they’re no surprises.” It seems that his entire life is predetermined, until he meets Kim (Bilson). Kim is a college sophomore and free spirit who thinks Michael is wonderful, eventually the two begin a relationship that makes Michael question his life, while his friends deal with personal issues of their own.

I originally rented “The Last Kiss” after Braff made his directorial debut with the hit “Garden State.” Sadly, this is no “Garden State” in the slightest, although it tries incredibly hard to be “Garden State 2.” The story itself is very basic, what happens when you hit thirty and you feel something is missing. That would be a great story except not only did Braff already tell that story, but his character is totally unlikable. Michael seems to be an overgrown man child who really can’t make up his mind. It seems that as soon as he comes to the realization that he loves his girlfriend Jenna, after him and Kim have already consummated their relationship, he just drops his mistress never to be seen again. The ending of the film is also incredibly rushed and feels totally out of place.

Rachel Bilson gives an odd performance as Kim. I loved her as Summer on “The OC” and it just seems like she’s rehashing that dippy hot girl performance. She becomes instantly obsessed with Braff’s character, even after she finds out he has a girlfriend. When Michael tells her that he is having a child she becomes so upset, but what is the difference? She contributed to the overall dislike of Braff and his story.

What make this film special are the supporting characters and their story arcs. Blythe Danner and Tom Wilkinson give great performances as Jenna’s parents going through their own marital strife. Jacinda Barrett, not normally known for good performances delivers as the pregnant Jenna, but it is truly Michael’s two friends who make “The Last Kiss” worth seeing. Casey Affleck, the younger brother to actor Ben, turns in a heart tugging performance as Chris. Chris is married to a girl he’s known forever and they have a young child. But after going through his life with his wife under appreciating him he makes a decision to leave. Now what could have turned into a real jerk of a character, it’s what Affleck brings to the character. What he does in the end of the film will definitely bring a tear to your eye. Olsen also turns in a great performance as Michael’s friend who isn’t ready to settle down but doesn’t know what to do with his life.

All in all I would give “The Last Kiss” 7 out of 10. See it for the great side performances, but don’t get too wrapped up in the main story. The movie’s MySpace page also lacks anything amazing, since it’s marketed towards the film’s soundtrack. There is video from the movie’s premier and link to the podcasts made for the film. There is some good music on the site but nothing you can’t listen to on iTunes.

So there you have it, the first MySpace or Yours Movie and a Profile. Sounds catchy don’t it? If you like it let me know, if you hate it….let me know I guess. Hope you enjoyed this trial idea. See you all later.

Links
The Last Kiss soundtrack profile