Review of Garden State (2004) by Facebook U — 14 Jul 2017

The majority of "Garden State" is wonderful. Out of the hour and forty minutes it runs for only twenty or so are less than stellar. It never becomes a bad movie, it just forces its sentimentality a little too much, and there are directions some scenes go that I feel were written more to fulfill some sort of fantasy Zach Braff had than to benefit the story. But those parts of the film are easy to look past, because the bulk of the package here is really, truly great. Also I apologize for saying both "bulk" and "package" in the same fully appropriate sentence.

I've seen this film numerous times at the time of this review, and it's one of my favorites. Every time I watch it I have a new experience, and it'll always have a special place on my shelf. I apologize again, this time for saying "time" so many times.

Upfront, the heart of this film is Natalie Portman's character, Sam. When she enters, everything just beautifully passes by until the end credits. This is her best role. I mentioned earlier that there are some less than stellar moments. None of them are during scenes with her in them (except for the ending, which I'm just not a fan of). Again, it's not ever a bad movie, but when she first shows up it becomes a whole new level of fantastic. And I get the whole point of making us relate to the main character's exhaustion with life through making the film feel less exciting before she arrives, and I do like that idea. But the problem is that each pre-portman scene feels like an excuse for a visual gag, or for Zach Braff to deliver a philosophical quote. Once again, it's never a bad movie. But Portman's character is just so well performed, and sympathetic and engaging that she's what really makes the film special.

I don't want to give all the credit to Natalie Portman, because every member of the cast and crew clearly did a very good job. Braff's writing is excellent, and the supporting cast is as well. And Braff's lead performance is really good too. His lack of overly abrasive or loud emotions contrast Portman's abundance, and that's what makes her stand out. They have great chemistry in the film.

It's tricky for me to describe how I feel about "Garden State." No matter what I say or how I word my sentences, I don't think I'm properly conveying how I feel about it. I guess I can summarize by saying that it's a flawed film, and obviously the director's first, but that's an attribute that I think adds to the charm. If it were a perfect movie I doubt it would resonate with me so well. It's a story about embracing being human, and the bumps and cracks in its shell allow that message to transcend the film.

Also it's quite funny. I forgot to mention that. Zach Braff swept me up in being philosophical.