Don't miss "Last Kiss"

TORONTO (Hollywood Reporter) - Proving that with solid direction, tight writing and strong performances an American remake actually can be as good as the foreign-language original, "The Last Kiss," an unusually perceptive dramedy about contemporary relationships, also manages to stand quite capably on its own two feet.

Adapted from the generally well-received 2002 Italian film, "L'Ultimo Bacio," by Gabriele Muccino, the serio-comic portrait of a group of young men in various stages of relationships who are all freaking out at the prospect of turning 30 has perceptive things to say that don't necessarily require punctuation by a punchline.

Thanks to fresh, believable onscreen turns by an ensemble headed by Zach Braff, Jacinda Barrett and Rachel Bilson and crisp behind-the-camera work by director Tony Goldwyn and on-a-roll screenwriter Paul Haggis, the Paramount release, which was given a test-drive at the Toronto International Film Festival, should receive an enthusiastic smooch from the female-driven "Garden State" crowd when it opens Friday.

That picture's director and star, Braff, isn't afraid to play someone proving to be less than huggable here. His Michael character would appear to have everything going for him -- most notably his bright, pretty girlfriend, Jenna (a terrific Barrett), a good job and loyal buddies ( Casey Affleck, Michael Weston and Eric Christian Olsen), who are all going through relationship crises.

But when Jenna informs him that they're going to be parents, Michael goes into complete panic mode and makes a boneheaded move involving a rather forward college co-ed ("The O.C.'s" Bilson) that puts their future in serious jeopardy.

Goldwyn's direction never forces the issues, while Haggis' adaptation, which was written before "Million Dollar Baby" and "Crash" were released, has some astute things to say about modern love while being true to its vivid characters. And, unlike another movie dealing with romantic disharmony, this summer's "The Break-Up," these are people you actually wouldn't mind being around.

In some ways an extension of his "Garden State" persona, Braff's Michael takes a risk as an affable actor by putting himself in a potentially unflattering light and comes off with his big-screen credibility firmly intact.

Barrett and Bilson are similarly impressive as the distinctly individual women in Braff's life, while old pros Blythe Danner and Tom Wilkinson are in fine form as Barrett's parents, who are struggling to work on their own slowly disintegrating relationship.

Cast:

Michael: Zach Braff

Jacinda Barrett: Chris: Casey Affleck

Kim: Rachel Bilson

Izzy: Michael Weston

Anna: Blythe Danner

Stephen: Tom Wilkinson

Kenny: Eric Christian Olsen

Director: Tony Goldwyn. Screenwriter: Paul Haggis. Based on the motion picture "L'Ultimo Bacio" by Gabriele Muccino. Producers: Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Andre Lamal, Marcus Viscidi. Executive producers: Gabriele Muccino, Eric Reid, Terry A. McKay, Harley Tannebaum.

Director of photography: Tom Stern. Production designer: Dan Leigh. Editor: Lisa Zeno Churgin. Costume designer: Odette Gadoury. Music: Michael Penn.