Review of Garden State (2004) by Stephanie R — 05 May 2011

After re-watching this film several times, I've raised the grade from a 7 to an 8. It just gets better and better with each repeat viewing. It's one of those movies that I would say is on par with Lost in Translation in that it makes the viewer feel like maybe we're not so alone in this world after all.

The first quarter or so of the movie without Natalie Portman is kind of a drag but once her character is introduced, she immediately lights up the screen. Portman never fails to amaze me when it comes to commanding the screen, she has done it in every movie I have seen her in, and this is no exception. She just has that "it" factor. Portman and Zach Braff (who also wrote and directed this by the way) had fantastic chemistry, the best I've seen in a while. Braff's screenplay and directing were very impressive. There were some really touching moments, my favorite being the scene with them together in the bathroom (haha that sounds totally wrong but just watch it :p). There were also some pretty funny parts that were really quirky and unique... like dead hamsters haha. The ending felt a bit too forced and way too quick, I wanted to see more! I wouldn't go as far as to say that this is an "outstanding" film, but there are certainly some outstanding moments within that keep getting better and better with each re-watch. Certainly recommended, it will make your day brighter :).