GARDEN STATE (2004)

Written & Directed By: Zach Braff
Cinematography By: Lawrence Sher
Editor: Myron Kerstein

Cast: Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Jim Parsons, Jean Smart, Michael Weston, Jackie Hoffman, Denis O'Hare, Ann Dowd, Ian Holm, Method Man


I don't actively hate this film. it is just a film that at times i find annoying. it is not a bad film it is just a film that i fell is mediocre that got overpraised. The more i see it tnstead of appreciating it for what it is. this is a filmi watch and more notice it's flaws each time i see it. Which i believe was because, at the time there was nothing else like it, if you weren't really looking. So it wasn't classifiable. The joy of seeing someting new and different made Critics and audiences happy and got them a little off track. It was also a film that was clearly personal. So it won over audiences, who could feel the passion in the filmmaking and it was a film that presented a generation of filmgoers a more accurate realistic depiction of themselves and the problems and feeling they have. albeit in a more quirky way.

The film offers a lead that while somewhat good looking is more regular looking then most leading men. Instantly sending the message that this film is different that is offered at the cinemas typically. Even though it was also a stepping Stone for The lead Zach Braff Who also wrote, directed and stars. I think the film was also made for him trying to prove himself as capable of all three instead of just being a sitcom actor. The Film also has a really good soundtrack full of emotional songs that can bring out the emotions if the dialogue and visuals can't.

Again Zach Braff Direct, Writes and Stars, His character is supposed to be our protagonist introducing us to all the things that are going on in the story, but his character is practically a zombie. His behavior is explained away that he is constantly on meds and now he has finally decided to stop. now he is finally experiencing life and coming to grips with feeling emotions again of course this is helped out by a woman that seems to only exist in most youth centered romantic comedies who leads him through this journey.

Most of the film takes place outdoors on location. te film uses very few sets for interiors.

That was the other problem i have as the film makes you fall in love with natalie portman which isn't very hard and she is good in the role. Her character is just soo good and pure that she becomes unbelievable she has nor arc thus no weaknesses or problems she is largely there to be with zach braff's character. We never even learn her actual age as it is never refrenced. She at least gives the best performance of the film next to Peter Sarsgaard.

The film isn't horrible it is good and entertaining with it's emotional landscape and quirks that sometimes comes close to being like a unorthadox sitcom. Nowwhile i can say the film is a good rental i would never put it against any dramatic film. it wouldbe like placing a teen show versus LAW & ORDER at he emmys.

The film ends up having secondary characters who are more interesting then the leads at times and we never get to learn what makes them tick or what more time in their lives would be like.

The film is about Braff's character coming back to new jersey from Los angeles for his mother's funeral while he is there he runs into his old friends to see what they are up to and reminise then he meets natalie portman's character and he falls in love. She helps him through his emotional turmoil.

This is a film that while it lives up to the name of independent film because a studio didn't fund it. it doesn't match the spirit of a true independent film. it's a personal story but it's a personal story that could have been a lower budgeted studio film.

I would have liked to have seen Zach Braff Direct more movies to see his evolutiion as a filmmaker. if there was going to be one. I beleive withthis film he was on the right track.

A Satisfying rental

GRADE: B-