Royston Crow > Things to do
The Last Kiss (15)
Published: 2:11 PM October 19, 2006
ZACH BRAFF, Casey Affleck and Rachel Bilson star in Paul Haggis s tale about a commitment-phobe on the brink of turning 30, struggling to come to terms with his girlfriend s pregnancy. While the news makes Michael (Braff) happy, it quickly throws him int
ZACH BRAFF, Casey Affleck and Rachel Bilson star in Paul Haggis's tale about a commitment-phobe on the brink of turning 30, struggling to come to terms with his girlfriend's pregnancy.
While the news makes Michael (Braff) happy, it quickly throws him into a tortuous self-examination, and shatters his plans of sailing through life unattached and carefree.
As he panics about the looming responsibilities of fatherhood and commitment, he suddenly meets the flirty and absurdly available Kim (Bilson), who invites him to the last chance saloon of recklessness that he so desperately craves. Or so he thinks.
While the central drama revolves around whether he will give in to the young siren's temptations and cheat on his girlfriend, it is the relationship between his like-minded buddies and their struggle to cope with life that is entertaining.
Co-worker Chris (Affleck) is married with a baby son, and his wife is driving him crazy with her demands. Izzy (Michael Weston) has been given the elbow by his girlfriend, so contemplates a career in stalking. And the only one of the group who appears to have it all, Kenny (Eric Christian Olsen) just can't find the girl of his dreams.
Each character has flaws, but they are fully aware of that and hate themselves for it. They try to make up for their mistakes, but sometimes screw things up further. That is what makes it likeable.
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The Last Kiss stands up well. It doesn't obey the rules of the many romantic comedies before it - and has one of the best soundtrack's around.
It's a genuinely moving exploration of relationships and highlights what it takes to truly commit to another person.
But with a number of mind-torturing questions such as: How do you know you're with the right person? What is true happiness? And how do keep things interesting in the bedroom after five years together and a baby on the way? It's sure to provoke some uncomfortable, yet highly amusing return journeys for couples all over the country.
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