I'd expressed interest before hearing it reviewed as this year's "Lost in Translation".  I walked into it unsure but hopeful.  Walked out feeling so ready to watch it over and over again, I've all but put in my DVD preorder to Amazon.  

This one is a bonafide winner.

Beautifully shot and capitalizing on laughter juxtaposed with powerful human emotion, "Garden State" tells the story of Andy Largeman (Zach Braff), a 26 year old L.A. waiter/"known for one role actor" who receives news from his estranged father via answering machine that his paraplegic mother is dead, having drowned in her bathtub.  Initially tentative, he decides to go back to New Jersey (after not having been home since leaving high school) for her funeral.  There he reunites with friends who otherwise have nothing worthwhile going for them, and meets Sam (Natalie Portman) a character rather reminiscent of Kate Winslet's "Clementine" in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind".

Quitting a life filled with depression medication and with Sam as personal encouragement (every time she doesn't feel "unique" enough, she does something no one else has done), Andy embarks upon a new journey of self discovery both mentally and physically.            

From the trailer on apple's website, I wasn't sure quite what to make of it, namely I thought it was just another "boy meets girl" youthful romantic comedy:  no substance, just mindless.  Garden State is (uh oh, critic mode in three...two...) "truly a triumph".  "Endearing and laugh out loud funny."  "Heartwarming."  

Zach Braff (actor/director/writer/soundtrack executive producer/all around good guy) is definitely one to watch if he can produce more material like this.

9/10 because the dialogue at times I found really "dumbed down" instead of "cinematically dumbed down", but the style of wit will invoke memories of "The Royal Tenenbaums".  

I must say, i've only heard good things about it.  The main character...that actor is making a name for himself.  Basically the whole thing looks really promising...can't wait to see it.

I'm not usually a drama man, but I think I'll make an exception.

My sister saw it and she said it is hysterically funny...

Garden State

I was sucked in by the previews.  After seeing both trailers online I knew this was a movie I had to see.  It did not disappoint. Zach Braff has made a movie brimming with joy, sadness, love and humor with plenty of heart left to spare.

The movie tells the story of Andrew Largeman (Braff), a wanna-be actor (with only one notable role - a retarded quarterback) who, thanks to a grocery list of perscription pills, has been emotionally numb for years.  He wakes up one morning and decides it's time for a change, so he cuts himself off from all his medication.  It just so happens that on this day he is to return to his hometown for the first time in nine years for his mother's funeral.

While in town he'll rekindle old friendships, fall in love with Sam (terrificly portrayed by Natalie Portman) and finally confront his dad/therapist who blames him for a devestating family issue (which I won't reveal here).

The movie really won me over with it's heart.  This movie knows at time it's cheezy, sappy and sentimental, but it's characters are aware of that and poke fun at their own seriousness.  I'm not one to cry at movies, but this one had me fighting back tears on several occassions, cause everything up on that screen is happening to characters you care about.

This can also be attributed to the fine performances by Braff and Portman.  If the character of Sam doesn't win over your heart I think you'd better leave it out to thaw.  There are also some great work done by the supporting cast, including the terrific Ian Holm.

Some critics have been saying that as a sophmore effort this film is amazing, but I think it is a "blow you away" movie whether this was the director's first or hundredth film.  It is funny (In fact I had no idea it would be as funny as it was), and heartfelt.  

Zach Braff has displayed enormous talent which leaves me anxiously awaiting his next endeavor.

***** (out of 5)
GQ

Soundtrack is amazing!

it's soooo awesome....zach braff had a hand in the music too.  
but man....such a movie where one acts, directs, and writes it has rarely been so highly regarded through my eyes.

i found this the ultimate experience of my movie watching of 2005.

...wow

*hey man, you'd better stay on the steps.  i don't know CPR*

I loved this movie. The dialogue was believable and funny as hell, I loved Natalie Portman's character and, of course, loved Zach Braff. "You are SO freaked out right now. You are so -- you can leave if you want--I don't care." The story was great and subtle, yet dramatic.

Here's another vote for the soundtrack kicking ass.  The most-played CD I've bought in the last year or so.

I thought Natalie Portman's character was very annoying.  It ruined an otherwise fine film.

Great soundtrack.  I loved the movie.  The fact that Natalie Portman was in it was a huge plus.

Quoted from bert I thought Natalie Portman's character was very annoying.  It ruined an otherwise fine film.

I thought she was funny and unique. I never saw any other character like her.