Zach Braff’s new movie WISH I WAS HERE is the story of a modern family dealing with age old issues– marriage, kids, a younger brother, an ailing father.

At the center is Braff’s character, Aiden Bloom, an LA actor still hoping for the big break to fulfill his performer’s dream. But the years are slipping by.  His wife, played by Kate Hudson, works a mind-numbing job to keep  bread on the table. The children are heading into the challenging years. His Jewish father, Mandy Patinkin, announces he can no longer pick up the tab of religious school for the grandkids. The cancer has returned. Braff’s character is smacked in the face with reality. Time to grow up. Time to step up to the plate.

The movie weaves together like a beautifully threaded tapestry. Serving as both director and star, Braff maintains a fine balance between humor and drama, dark and light. The characters grow internally and externally. Patinkin’s moments are pure gold as expected. Braff and Hudson go beyond amicable to authentic. God even gets a shout out a time or two.

It’s the most emotionally satisfying movie I’ve watched in a long time. It reminds us to be present, capture the moments, don’t let life pass you by. Be there for the people you love.

Go see it with someone dear to your heart. Enjoy a tub of popcorn together. Savor the moments.