What Do You Feel?

The Last Kiss

Directed by Tony Goldwyn

In the The Last Kiss, a remake of L'Ultimo Bacio (2001), Oscar-winning screenwriter Paul Haggis translates the charming Italian original into a touching, if somewhat predictable, Hollywood romancedy. Michael (Zach Braff) and Jenna (Jacinda Barrett) are blissfully content as an unmarried couple-until she gets pregnant and he, on the cusp of turning 30, must instantly grow up, take responsibility and make a real commitment to her and family life. Michael panics and gets into another part-time relationship with Kim (Rachel Bilson), a sexually-curious college coed. Jenna, suitably distressed by his betrayal, breaks off their relationship and moves back home with her parents.

That Michael and Jenna are surrounded by a catalog of failed relationships seems to exacerbate their difficulties: Jenna's long-married mom (Blythe Danner) and dad (Tom Wilkerson) are no longer able to communicate with each other and she decides to leave him in search of true romance. And Michael's three closest friends, guys whom he's known since childhood, are each experiencing a different relationship trauma that, collectively, could be fodder for an episode of Oprah.

Given the script's formulaic nature, director Tony Goldwyn still manages to deftly balance poignant and humorous moments in the film, and he's very good at guiding his cast towards truth in their performances. Braff's convincing angst certainly elicits sympathy and Bilson's lusty curiosity and openness are refreshing.

Danner and Wilkenson, as Mom and Pop, are the most intriguing and engaging couple as they attempt to work out their differences. Experience does count for something, and it's great to see mature actors included in the romantic scheme of things.

Although Haggis' The Last Kiss script lacks gravitas and intensity equal to his more powerful Crash and Million Dollar Baby, it captures the emotional truth of its characters and the universality of intimacy and commitment issues in a way that audiences can easily grasp and take to heart.