Movie Review - "Garden State"

[skahound]

Zach Braff (J.D. on t.v.'s 'Scrubs') stars in and makes his big screen writing and directorial debut in 'Garden State'. As Andrew Largeman or 'Large' to his friends, Braff seems to nail the persona of an excessively medicated actor who returns home to New Jersey from California after nine years. When Large's mother passes away he uses his bereavement trip as a sort of vacation from the world he's known for quite some time. During his stay he meets up with old friends who can't seem to avoid recognizing the fact that Large has become a Hollywood-type and his father with whom he has shared a tumultuous relationship. While waiting for a doctor's appointment, Large meets Sam (Natalie Portman) and the two become inseparable for the remainder of Large's trip. The story follows what many of us have experienced when travelling back to our own hometown and meeting up with old friends but also deals with some difficult situations in an almost simple (non-melodramatic) manner. Infused with humor, sadness, and smiles 'Garden State' is a movie worth seeing. The performances, from Portman and Peter Sarsgaard especially, really help to make this a very touching film.

[j303j]

loved it and natalie portman is a cutie.

[Silicone Soul]

Best movie I've seen this year. The Soundtrack is great, too.

[skahound]

The Soundtrack is great, too.

With the exception of the 'cover' (cough, cough) of "3 Times a Lady" the music in this film is superb!

[Kobe]

Gotta love flicks about NJ. I will need to reserve a rainy Saturday to go see this (and Harold & Kumar! :D)

[LV-8]

I went to HS with Zach. I never chilled with him but I do remember him being a real cool kid very likeable. Good for him I'm happy he's representing NJ :RockOn:

[peloquin]

been wanting to see this movie, my girlies friend said its awesome

[maddlingo]

I've been looking forward to seeing this film. Zach Braff is hilarious on the show Scrubs. :RockOn:

[bigguy3]

Best movie I've seen this year. The Soundtrack is great, too.

agreed...it was definitely most entertaining

[ezdude1970]

i almost went to see it last night but was not sure if it was any good, now reading these reveiws i will check it out for real

[Trancelucent One]

I finally went and saw this movie last night and I LOVED IT. The acting was superb and it was a purely enjoyable movie. There were definately some quite entertaining scenes as well. I can't wait until this ocmes out on DVD- it's a must own!

[maddlingo]

Bought this movie on DVD the other day. One of the best movies I've seen in a while. I highly recommend this one.

[Jibgolly]

good movie. saw it in december.

ms. portman is more than welcome to ride my mustache. :Naughty:

[skahound]

good movie. saw it in december.

ms. portman is more than welcome to ride my mustache. :Naughty:

You have a moustache?

[Eric Morris]

Good story line, out there at times for sure. Also surprised with Portman's performance, she delivered a cool character to attach too. ECM

[lmmadic]

liked this one too, i've seen it the other day on dvd.
i could really relate with the going back home part and seeing you're old friends again. It's only then that you notice how much you've changed...and they didn't

[skahound]

It's only then that you notice how much you've changed...and they didn't
I wonder if they think the same thing about me?

[msanchez]

yeah man, this movie kicked ass beggining to end...portman was the coolest chick ever, great music too. I give it 2 thumbs up!

[DJ Adrian Ravelo]

good film, would have been better if the ending was actually a sad one imo.

[bloodl0ck]

Was good, what did people think about the existentialist overtones?

[tdl22]

agreed....best movie in a loooong time
refreshing change from the piles of crap hollywood type movies out there

[GerryD]

i checked this out a few days ago....I thought the movie was real good....