The Last Kiss
Manages to remain both warm and touching.
In 'The Last Kiss', relationships are complex and flawed. No neat endings are offered and people hurt each other terribly through infidelity, lies and hostility. It's surprising then, that the film manages to remain both warm and touching. This is mostly due to the likeable characters, particularly Braff's Michael who, terrified of a predictable future, makes hurtful decisions, yet whose behaviour never seems as appalling as it should. The characters here are very real, with problems and issues aplenty, but unlike some films of a similar nature, it's never a mystery why they choose to be with each other. Braff is as quirky and lovable as ever, and the rest of the cast also does a great job. Affleck adds to his long list of understated performances, and Wilkinson and Danner's older couple offer a fascinating portrait of a relationship filled with both indifference and animosity. Funny, painful and touching. [Rebecca Gow]