Wish I Was Here 2014

As the head of his family, Aidan Bloom (played by Zach Braff), a 35-year-old aspiring actor, grapples with the challenges of making a name for himself in the competitive landscape of Los Angeles, while his devoted wife Sarah (portrayed by Kate Hudson) works behind the scenes as a data entry specialist. Their lives are a continuous juggling act between everyday responsibilities and lofty dreams, all focused on providing the best for their two young children, Tucker and Grace. To ensure that their kids receive a proper education, the Blooms rely heavily on Aidan’s father Gabe, who has always believed in the significance of sending his grandchildren to an Orthodox Jewish day school.

However, everything changes when Gabe faces yet another battle with cancer, revealing his intention to invest in a groundbreaking stem cell treatment. This shocking news leads the Bloom family into an unexpected financial crisis, jeopardizing their ability to fund Tucker and Grace’s education. In a bid to adapt to their new reality, Sarah suggests an unconventional approach: homeschooling their children. As Aidan ventures into this new territory, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reassessing his life choices and priorities.

Throughout this transformative chapter, the Bloom family engages in a series of enchanting escapades that ultimately strengthen their bond. They embark on a memorable field trip to the desert for an exhilarating camping experience under a starlit sky, take a thrilling test drive in an Aston Martin—where Grace manages to charm the salesman with her playful act of pretending to be injured, thanks to her clever wig—and spend cherished moments revamping their yard. Aidan pleasantly reminisces about Mr. Miyagi’s iconic life lessons as he dives into these DIY projects.

In the meantime, Aidan’s estranged brother Noah grapples with his own sense of mortality, grappling with the emotional fallout of being sidelined in their father’s life for years. He finds comfort in the company of Janine, a talented furry costume designer he meets at San Diego Comic-Con, prompting him to channel his creativity into crafting a costume that wins over her affection. As Gabe’s health begins to wane, he beckons his sons to share precious moments by his side, requesting that they bring their favorite ice cream as a heartfelt gesture of love and support.

As they confront the trials ahead, the Bloom family uncovers a resilience that brings them closer together. Aidan deepens his relationship with Sarah, who bravely stands up to her workplace harasser and secures a year’s worth of severance pay. Meanwhile, Tucker and Grace flourish under Aidan’s newfound influence as they anticipate what lies ahead. The film concludes with the Bloom family gazing toward a promising future, as Aidan secures a role teaching acting, while his children prepare for the adventures that await them.