Garden State
Writer/Director Zach Braff delivers "an Oscar-worthy performance" (CBS-TV Chicago) in this quirky coming-of-age comedy that has been hailed as "the seminal film for today's generation" (USA TODAY).
Twentysomething, emotionally detached Andrew "Large" Largeman (Braff) returns home to New Jersey after nine long years.. Now, as he tries to re-connect with his past, a series of chance encounters with Sam (Natalie Portman) - a free-spirited who's everything he isn't - sets the stage for a fateful, mind-blowing take on what his future might hold. Co-starring Peter Sarsgaard, Ian Holm and Method Man, Garden State is "hilarious" (Rolling Stone).
Member Reviews
Not sure on this one.... - GreenTomato
While I rated this as one that I liked, I just could not figure it out. It seemed to go somewhere, however it never reached its point in my opion. I found the storyline a little dry and there was some humour to carry the movie, however I never got over the feeling like I just did not know where this movie was heading.Simplicity - 0930tracey
I might be the only person to have really, really liked this movie, but I must say, give it a try. The music is amazing, the characters are lovable idiots, and the directing is amazing. The dog incident in the clinic made me almost pee my pants I was laughing so hard. A simple movie,definately worth watching!!Refreshing original film - jshaw333
The film was charming and quirky. Several scenes and images stand out in my mind for their originality. Look for a bad funeral singer putting her spin on Lionel Ritchie, a imaginary plane crash, and the fantastic custom-made shirt scene. While I somewhat agree that Natalie Portman's character was larger than life, I think the character, with her intense feelings of joy, sorrow, and love, almost a negative image of Zach Braff's numb and sterile persona: she is as emotionally alive as he is dead(even if being THAT alive can be annoying.)
The cinematography is also sterile, with most scenes meticulously laid out in dull colors-it seems as though the movie was only filmed on gray cloudy days, which lends credibility to Braff's state of mind. Portman's home, however, is a golden, chaotic contrast to Braff's empty gray-greenness.
For a cynic, this movie will be too sappy, and I wouldn't recommend it. It is a study of cause and effect, of the choices we make in life and their reactions. Keep an open mind to Braff's take on the psyche, and the movie may surprise you too.
Not that I want to watch it twice, you understand, but the first time was very enjoyable. 4 out of 5 stars.
Member Reviews
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Not sure on this one.... - GreenTomato
While I rated this as one that I liked, I just could not figure it out. It seemed to go somewhere, however it never reached its point in my opion. I found the storyline a little dry and there was some humour to carry the movie, however I never got over the ...Simplicity - 0930tracey
I might be the only person to have really, really liked this movie, but I must say, give it a try. The music is amazing, the characters are lovable idiots, and the directing is amazing. The dog incident in the clinic made me almost pee my pants I was laughing ...Refreshing original film - jshaw333
The film was charming and quirky. Several scenes and images stand out in my mind for their originality. Look for a bad funeral singer putting her spin on Lionel Ritchie, a imaginary plane crash, and the fantastic custom-made shirt scene. While I somewhat ...