Review of Garden State (2004) by Manny C — 22 Mar 2011
Zach Braff's directorial and screenwriting debut is no sitcom piffle. With Garden State, Braff gives us his version of The Graduate mixed with Harold and Maude, imbuing his little movie with big feelings.
He doesn't totally realize all of his ambitions, but it's a potent debut nonetheless, not to mention great fun seeing him work at it. Braff stars as Large, a waiter and wanna-be actor returning to his native New Jersey for his mother's funeral.
Upon returning, Large decides to drop his Zoloft habit, try to reconcile with his father (Ian Holm) and seek out his old friend (a wonderful Peter Sarsgaard). He also finds the possibility of love with sweet, Shins-loving pathological liar Sam, played with irresistible charm and gusto by Natalie Portman.
The movie is just as irresistible. Garden State came out way back in 2004. Here's hoping Braff hasn't given up the director's chair.
This review of Garden State (2004) was written by Manny C on 22 Mar 2011.
Garden State has generally received very positive reviews.
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