Review of Garden State (2004) by Mack S — 30 Mar 2011

In the beginning of "Garden State" the character Andrew largeman dreams he is in a crashing plane and as it flies down he casually turns on the air above him. This scene is to me one of the best scenes in film of the last decade. Garden state tells the story about a guy named Andy whom has been on loads of medication since he was very young, he returns to his hometown in New Jersey to attend the funeral of his mother. Once he spends a few extra days he meets a pathological liar (Natalie Portman), his old buddy (Peter Sarsgaard), and a few other old friends. While on the trip it dawns on Andrew that he may not have any mental problems at all.

"Garden State" was written and directed by Zach Braff and among other things the film is most famous for its incredible soundtrack which won a Grammy. But what many people forget to mention is how it's brilliantly acted by Braff, Portman, and Sarsgaard. Of all the good things I have to say about this movie the one thing I loved the most was how the characters were believable and relatable. I especially loved the scene near the end where the three main characters scream into an "infinite abyss" in the rain, great camerawork there!

I was amazed how good this movie really was and how good it was written as well as acted.

See this film as soon as you possibly can!