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Release Date: September 15, 2006

When setting your expectations for The Last Kiss, please don’t fall into the trap that many have already fallen into. This is not a sequel to the surprising hit Garden State, and this is not the brainchild of Zach Braff as was the afore mentioned film. This film, much like Garden State, makes a very personal statement. The statement for this film is not made for its writer or director; it is made for yourself and those you love.

Michael (Zach Braff) and Jenna (Jacinda Barrett) are the seemingly perfect couple with the perfect relationship that has made its journey down a perfect road of life. Sounds perfect right? That is the problem. Michael starts to question his life and its outcomes as a 29 year old who is trapped between freedom and adulthood, by a life that seemingly will contain no more surprises. When the couple finds out that they are soon to be parents, Michael starts to really wonder if this is really the type of life that he wants.

Michael’s friends all look to him as the cohesive entity that connects all of their relationships. Every friend has their own situation in life, some practical and some unconventional. As each friend starts to discover their own life and their direction, Michael finds the last thing that he would expect. While attending a friend’s wedding, a college student named Kim (Rachel Bilson) sets her sights on Michael and provides him with an opportunity for one last kiss.

The Last Kiss has already found its way into my heart as one of my favorite movies. The characters, while somewhat cliche, jump off the screen and into your life. I saw myself and my relationships all played out on screen with each passing minute. Sometimes when the movie stopped feeling like my life, someone on screen was instantly transformed into one of my friends. I’d hate to call this a date movie because that title sometimes downplays the quality of a film, but The Last Kiss is one of the best date movies I have ever seen. Never seeming pretentious or impossibly unconventional, this film can be thought of as a testament to anyone who has ever been in a relationship. When I say anyone, I do mean anyone because the film does not only follow these 20-something characters but also their parents.

If you or anyone you know is in a romantic rut, or just need a good movie to see with close friends then I would highly recommend The Last Kiss. Allow the film to fuse with your own experiences, and you are sure to enjoy yourself until the very end.

Final Grade: A-

The Upside: Most true to life and entertaining date movie of the year

The Downside: An ending that will leave you wanting more

On the Side: Rachel McAdams was originally cast, but forced to drop out due to other commitments; Jacinda Barrett then stepped in to replace her