Garden State
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Movie Reviews of Garden State
Movie Review: If you're under 30, you'll "get it"
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw Garden State in the theater when it was first released but wanted to see it again before writing my review. I finally viewed it on DVD recently and I have to admit, I was concerned my opinion of it would change after viewing it a second time. I was fearful it was one of those movies that, upon multiple viewings, would turn out to be not nearly as clever as I originally thought. (This seems to happen often to me with movies.)
I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the film perhaps even more than I did the first time. I recall a friend of mine going to the New York premiere before it was widely released - she was excited because Zach Braff was going to be there. When I spoke to her afterwards, she said she enjoyed it but that she could see that it was Braff's first effort behind the camera. I have to disagree with that assessment.
Garden State was definitely the best movie I saw in 2004. Now, I'll admit, I didn't see a whole lot of movies in'04, but Garden State would probably beat out most other ones I could have seen.
Zach Braff stars as Andrew Largeman, a guy from New Jersey who is spending his days out in L.A. living the life of a struggling actor - that is, waiting tables and getting bit parts. He does apparently land the role of a retarded quarterback though, which is brought up several times. However, this recurring joke seems realistic, coming up about as frequently as you would expect it to.
Andrew comes home to NJ for the first time since leaving for boarding school when he was 16 - he's home because his mom has died. Along the way, he runs into his old friends from high school, with all of the meetings reminding me a lot of running into old friends in Jersey (probably the same as a lot of areas of the country, but since I'm from Jersey, I felt connected). He also meets Sam, played absolutely brilliantly by Natalie Portman. Portman evidently shocked Braff by wanting to be in the film and I have to say, if this is how she acts in every film she's in, then she'll be winning Oscars very soon. The character Sam is very vulnerable, yet strong-willed and sarcastic at the same time. We see nothing of her father, which may explain part of her guarded nature - at the same time, it also explains her emotions, which are expressed at various times in the film.
Andrew's father is also brilliantly played by Ian Holm. He has also served as Andrew's psychiatrist for years, loading him up on more drugs than one would believe possible. Witness the doctor that Andrew goes to see because of his recurring headaches, who says "With all the Lithium you've been on, it's amazing you can even hear me."
What I found odd about this film was the way it was reviewed by the mainstream media. The cover of the DVD says "Hilarious and Heartfelt." Hilarious? It's as though the curmudgeons who review movies for a living weren't even sure what this movie was. It was most certainly not a comedy, at least not foremost. There were certainly funny scenes and some good lines, but the Garden State was a drama; a story about not only Andrew Largeman, but a number of people in their mid-20s who don't have life all figured out and who are struggling with that bleak reality.
I don't expect people of older generations to find this movie to be good at all. I'm certain my parents wouldn't like it at all. But the fact is, the film truly speaks to people who are under the age of 30 and understand what it's like to be that age in the early 21st century. Thirty years ago, life was figured out by your mid-20s. People were married, had kids, knew what they wanted to do for a living for the next 30-40 years of their life... nowadays, it's not like that. Being unsure of what's coming next when you're 26 is a fairly recent phenomenon, but it's not a crazy one. Garden State explores those feelings and the psychological barriers that go along with them.
It is rare that I see a film that I feel so strongly about once it's over - Garden State is one that I really feel like I "get."
The soundtrack is excellent as well and the songs are in the exact order that they are in the film, as per writer-director-star Braff.
If you have the chance and you're under 30, check this one out. I'm willing to bet you'll understand where all the characters are coming from.
Movie Review: something good grows in jersey !
Summary: 5 Stars
to the poor outnumbered souls who seem to be blind to the many varied charms and pleasures of this very sweet intelligent witty & very well done movie-- i have only pity and thank providence i am not one of them ! the movie had me in stitches a few times----that flaming arrow !! her brother ! the horny seeing eye dog- in addition to scenes of real warmth & tenderness scenes that brought me to tears-- the last one in the airport !!!!!AND the crafty editing-- the production values-----the whole low key character driven angle of it all---- a gem of a movie--- much like the well done spotless mind movie jim carrie handled so well---but this guy wrote this directed it and stars in it-- and i was quite happy to enter the garden state and go along for the ride !!!( i kinda like new jersey lately ! ) i learned in college something i never forgot-- some professor told us drama must involve a character changing--- this more than qualifies and has many laughs along the way--- braff is an intelligent funny guy--- he wrote a great little script here-- little only in the sense that it has no explosions car chases hordes of extras no international intrigue--no pretensions-- what it does have is great ensemble players inhabiting convincing if quirky( its a movie !!! ) characters bringing them to life with all the wit and charm of its auteur ! and his first time out-- very well done indeed --- (someone was comparing this effort to others like stanley kubrik ! along w bertolucci ( who only after many years finally got one right !! the last emporer !! brilliant !!!! ) kubrik is the most over rated blowhard director ever !! a crackpot who almost made good movies like lolita-good thanks to the brilliance of james mason and shelley winters- 2001 and the funny bomb one----but he always botched them up in the end-somehow- i`m not saying he wasnt perhaps some kind of genius---- i`m just saying his movies were either utter nonsense like the last one he made-or he ruined even the decent 3 i mentioned ---but he wasnt into creating charmng witty heartwarming movies and couldnt if he wanted to ! but i digress ! this movie is about waking up coming back to life- finding love----nothing new you say- aha but it is new ! love is always new-- to those whom it finds and turns inside out ! and ms portman who braff aparently had to squeeze more sweetness out of--more than once---when necessary to his vision -and did so quite masterfully----- because he knew what he wanted and how to get it- and because ms portman like virtually everyone in this movie down to the extras - delivers the goods in spades !! jean smart brings her usual sexy brilliance to the set with her-- as a very modern if a bit twisted mother to an old friend of his--- another well wrought character in his own right--- played perfectly by peter sarsgaard--- and ian holm who is so brillaint an actor he doesnt need lines to do what he does so well---- he can act !!! ( i was first truly amazed by mr holm in tarzan greystoke---- a movie that is so underrated in my opinion--- just watching him shave and teaching tarzan shaving---- --- his every gesture a revelation -- hes not wasted here either !! ) all in all a real surprise of a movie--- that thanks to people w vision and the great gifts necesasary to get something like this done ! kudos to the producers for knowing what a real gem this whole idea of mr braffs was--- for getting it done for letting him do it his way-- for all the game players in front of and behind the scenes--- as one mogul once said--- u just need one good scene to make a decent movie-- 2 or 3 and its something special---- well this is a pearl necklace-- for those with ears and eyes and sensibilities still intact & not driven into the numb oblivion our culture can deliver so many of us too to-if we are not careful-or like our protagonist numbed by well meaning parents-- who often misguidedly mummify their kids w zoloft lithium ritilin or what have u- quick fixes and good intentions that ultimately turn so many into zombies ! some may be helped-- but thats another movie ! this movie is a delight -- it touches on serious issues--- but its a funny tear jerking ride i thoroughly enjoyed-- thanks dude and atta boy zach and yer whole assembled gang of cohorts !!!!!!Movie Review: Braff's 'Garden State' is a Stellar Filmmaking Debut
Summary: 5 Stars
Garden State may resonate with older classic films like The Graduate, or more recent ones like Beautiful Girls, but the film still manages to carve out its own beautiful identity through wonderful characters, rich performances, and the meticulous, careful eye of its writer and director Zach Braff. It was also impressive enough to snag Braff The national Board of Review's award for this year's best debut by a director.
You may know Braff as the wacky Dr. John "J.D." Dorian on the excellent sitcom Scrubs on NBC. Though in Garden State, Braff does a complete 180 turn on screen and behind the lens, taking us on a journey of rediscovery, redemption, and love. Braff plays Andrew Largeman, a wannabe LA actor, who's only notable credit is playing a retarded quarterback in a made for TV movie. He leads a nearly comatose existence, terminally numb from any real feeling, largely due to the fact he is medicated to the hilt with every anti-depressant known to man. His hazy existence is abruptly interrupted when he's summoned back to his home state of New Jersey, after being informed via answering machine by his estranged father (Ian Holm) that his paraplegic mother has drowned to death in the bath. Don't fear; Garden State is a comedy above anything else.
Void of any medication back home, Andrew slowly begins an emotionally awakening as he cleanses his body and soul of years of somberness, which had been caused partly by a medicine cabinet full of drugs, and more so by the emotionally baggage he's been carrying regarding his now dead mother. He starts re-connecting with the familiar places and people of his past, and is ultimately transformed by Sam, a free-spirited, Shins loving pathological liar wannabe, played by a wonderfully funny and touching Natalie Portman, who steals almost every scene she's in. She accompanies Andrew throughout his visit home, and ends convincing him that life and love do indeed exist after Zoloft.
Garden State is further enhanced by great supporting performances by a superb Peter Sarsgaard, who plays Andrew's childhood friend and companion throughout most of the film. British thesp Ian Holm is also effective as Andrew's Psychiatrist Dad, who attempts throughout the film to reconcile with his son, and finally does if albeit a small way at the end of the film. The film is also rich with small, quirky performances by all the people from Andrew's past. All of that, partnered with a truly awesome soundtrack featuring the likes of the aforementioned Shins, Nike Drake, and Simon & Garfunkle, make for a long-remembered anthem for the 20-30 something's who are looking for one good thing to come along that changes their lives forever.
The Garden State DVD is chock full of extras, including 16 deleted scenes, most of which are extensions of scenes that made the final cut. In watching them, you will immediately appreciate the caution first time director Braff shows with sacrificing the overly dramatic and over written portions that got cut from the final film. The DVD also features two great commentary tracks, one with Braff and some of the other filmmakers, and the second, most enjoyable track which just features Braff and Natalie Portman, who exchange witty banter and give us insight into the real story behind silent Velcro, as well as exchange other quirky back stories that are just as enjoyable as watching the two act on screen. A "Making-Of" Featurette, and a short blooper real round out a comprehensive collection of special features that will make your Garden State experience all the more meaningful. It's a small film with a huge heart, and one of the best films of the year.
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Movie Review: One of the best movies I've seen on DVD in quite a while
Summary: 5 Stars
I had intended to see GARDEN STATE when it was in the theaters, but for some reason I never got around to it. Then when it came out on DVD, I kept intending to see it, but for whatever reason didn't, until now. As they say, better late than never, and I'll add that this ends a personal losing streak of seeing one disappointing movie after another
The movie is basically about a struggling actor in Hollywood who returns to his hometown in New Jersey to attend his mother's funeral. Like so many movies involving a trip home, this one becomes a journey of self-discovery and renewal, as Andrew Largeman confronts the shape life has taken since the moment he caused a serious accident his mother suffered when he was nine. Heavily medicated for most of his life, he resolves to get off the host of drugs he is on. Meanwhile, just as he is determined to get off anti-depressants so that he can feel again, he meets a charming yet quirky girl who has her own set of problems. For whatever reason, they click and embark on their own romance.
Plot in a movie is not the same as execution, but luckily the film is executed marvelously, maintaining a perfect balance between funny but quirky weirdness and emotional authenticity. The film is full of laughs, but it is much more than just a collection of laughs. All in all, it is a very impressive movie.
You have to love what Zach Braff did in this film. Few have pulled off the triple feat of acting, writing, and directing as well as he did here. What is remarkable is how well he managed all three. As an actor, he is a performer of immense likeability. I think if he manages to stay within the range of that fundamental likeability as an actor, he is going to have a remarkable career. The general feeling is that next year will be the last for SCRUBS, which while a great vehicle for Braff is probably keeping him from the movie career that beckons. I hope that at some point he returns as well to both writing and directing.
Natalie Portman is enjoyable in her role as Sam, the epileptic girl he meets and falls in love with. She is an actress. I mean by that that she performs roles, she doesn't just play herself in films. This isn't one of her most impressive performances to date, but it is further evidence of her considerable talent. Unfortunately, much of her time was eaten up in recent years by the lamentable STAR WARS trilogy. I'm very anxious to see what she does from here on out. Her character gave me a bit of a pang because of the way it reminded me of a major ex-girlfriend of mine, who like Sam was a compulsive liar (as with Sam, she would lie on all manner of incredibly small--as well as big--things) and who also like same carried about the tattered remnants of her "blankey." A definite moment of deja vu for me.
GARDEN STATE contains one of the most celebrated soundtracks of recent years and it isn't an accident that it has enjoyed considerable success on its own. In addition to all else that he did on the film, Braff picked out all the songs on the record. It is a very well chosen selection. I've often wondered how much of a role, if any, he plays in the music selection of music on SCBUBS, which has some of the best music of any show on TV.
All in all, this is a superb movie. If you like intelligent, serious yet eccentric comedy, you will almost certainly enjoy this one.
Movie Review: A surprising and impressive achievement!
Summary: 5 Stars
I rented this because I had heard so many good things about it and after watching it a couple times, it certainly did not disappoint. Zach Braff has done something remarkable for a debut film project, and its an achievement he should be very proud of. This film works on several levels, but mostly, its a relevant film for the younger generation that is too often assigned to take drugs to solve whatever problems their parents don't want to deal with. The numbing of the emotional pains of life doesn't lead to a life fully lived, and in a sense, we are turning our children into emotional zombies. This film is a wake up call...get off the drugs and experience life the way its meant to be experienced. Emotional pain is a burden everyone has to work through and deal with, and finally accept before moving on.
The great thing about this independent film, as in many independent films, is that it doesn't follow the standard Hollywood formula. You are taken in with the character and experience his life over the course of four days, as Andrew (Zach Braff) returns home to attend his mother's funeral after a nine year absence. At home, he avoids his father and hooks up with friends who seem to all be stuck in dead-end jobs (some, quite literally). Andrew is the only one trying to make something of his life, as a struggling actor in Hollywood who's claim to fame was playing a mentally handicapped football player on a TV show. He meets the lovely and quirky Natalie Portman at the doctor's office. Some people have doubted her abilities as an actress after seeing her in the "Star Wars" prequels, but make no mistake...see this film and "Closer" and you will be captivated by her range. I loved her performances in both films, but she especially has unique charm in "Garden State"...helping Andrew come to terms with his long-delayed grief over an incident that happened when he was much younger, guilt that he put aside for years.
There are many quirky characters in this film and a couple of them seem caught up in some pyramid schemes. My favorite small performance is by Method Man, who almost steals the film by his very brief, but hilarious scene. Perhaps the only person who seems out of place in a film like this is Ian Holme, whom I can't view in any film without thinking Bilbo Baggins! He often appears like a ghost in this film by his wardrobe choices, and his role is small (his most significant scene is cut and on the deleted scenes special feature) and he just doesn't resemble Zach enough to convince me that he's his father in the film. It was a minor distraction and what I think is a serious miscast of that role, but not enough for me to subtract a star from the rating. That's because the overall message of the film is simply powerful and one we should all take to heart. We should live a life that's uniquely ours and seek moments where we attempt to do things no one else might have ever done before. To live is to risk, and we can't truly live if we are drugging away our personal pains (whether through doctor-prescribed zoloft/ritalin, or through ecstasy and other illegal means of artificial happiness). We control our own happiness and we can't be responsible for making other people happy. That's the garden state of our own desires. See this film again and again. Its simply amazing and Zach Braff deserves huge kudos for making this film.