Sydney Film Festival 2014 - Film Review - Wish I was here

Kate Hudson and Zach Branff in a still from "Wish I was here"

Wish I was here is an odd, quirky film produced, written and directed by Zach Branff who also acts in one of the lead roles. The film's production was funded through a Kickstarter campaign which is probably not surprising as it's difficult to see a commercial studio or indie film company taking up this story. A one man show it does appear in many respects with some very Jewish middle class angst underpinning the main story.  Branff's role is an actor named Aidan, aged in his thirties, largely unsuccessful and financially supported together with the rest of the family by his wife (Kate Hudson) in a tedious office job. When Aidan's father announces he is seriously ill and can no longer support the expensive education of Aidan's two children in an exclusive Jewish school, Aidan decides to homeschool them. Mixed in the family relationships is Aidan's reclusive brother (Josh Gadd) who prefers to attend Comic-Con conventions dressed as a spaceman than engaging with their ailing father.

The storyline and plotting for this film are annoyingly introverted and the hapless Aidan seems to stumble his way through the film in an almost slapstick manner which is conveniently wound-up nicely at the end. A small almost cameo appearance is made by Jim Parsons (from CBS television's The Big Bang Theory) who also plays a struggling actor trying to secure a break in the acting industry. Wait for the DVD or Blu-Ray edition for this film.