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Garden State
2004
Aspiring actor living in Los Angles, Andrew "Large" Largeman (Braff) has managed to avoid a visit to his hometown in New Jersey and the inevitable confrontation with his father. But as he reconnects with the place once he returns, a twist of fate introduces him to Sam (Portman), a quirky young woman who gives Large the courage .. Read more
| Starring | Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Ian Holm |
|---|---|
| Director | Zach Braff |
| Run time | 109 mins |
| Genres | Audio Descriptive, Comedy, Drama |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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Prime cult-film material, vintage 2004, Garden State and Napoleon Dynamite both premiered at last year's Sundance film festival, where their 20-something, first-time writer-directors... read more »
- LOVEFiLM
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Most helpful member's review
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77 out of 88 people found this review helpful
You must see this movie!
It is the start of the new year and inevitably the thoughts go to the 'best of's' of 2004. Why would I mention that? Because unless you have seen this film you haven't completed the list, because this film will be on it. Depending on taste of course (unfortunately). If you like smart, funny, quotable, sad, heartbreaking, awe inspiring, beautiful, memorable and just plain amazing then you will like this film.
Think I am over exaggerating? Think of a film where you can take any frame and stick it on a wall as a poster because it is that beautiful. Think 'Goodfellas', 'Fargo', 'Shawshank Redemption', 'City of God', 'Magnolia'... now add Garden State. The acting is phenomenal and proves that 'Leon' was not a flash in the pan for Portman and Braff should be nominated for a screenplay oscar.
Someone else mentioned 'Lost in Translation' as a comparison and that cannot be argued with. You like Lost in Translation then you will like this. You don't like Lost in Translation then this is sufficiently different to warrant spending a couple of hours of your life watching. It won't change your life, but it won't make you regret taking the time out of your life either.
I am begging you people! Take a chance! -
Most recent members' review
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32 out of 37 people found this review helpful
Stay on the Plane
It's far from boring, as one reviewer has said, but come on everyone else, this film is hardly going to change your life.
Anyone who's ever returned to the town they grew up in only to find that things haven't exactly moved forwards but more just taken steps sideways, (or even backwards,) will find themselves on familiar ground. Almost all the gags are well delivered and hit the mark, and the characters are likeable if a little two-dimensional.
However it doesn't seem to know if it wants to be an off-the-wall Napoleon Dynamite-a-like, or schmaltzy Hollywood mush. Trying hard not to give anything away, it was the ending that ruined it for me: A more realistic, slightly down ending would have suited the feel of the film much more. I mean, guys, can you imagine the implications of leaving a flight immediately after boarding? Extract your luggage from the hold, delay the flight and probably get landed with a huge fine from the CAA? Nah - You'd just call her when you got to LA, promise to visit each other as often as often as possible, fail to do so at all, have that old 'It's Just Not Working Out' conversation and, six to eight weeks later, forget about the whole thing.
Well, that's the way things went for me anyway.
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- RJTaylor from Manchester
- Posted 03 Jan 2006 12:20
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News and features
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New Pixar movie gets thumbs up
- 18 Jun 2007
A new film from animation studio Pixar has received an early write-up on a movie website which describes it as an "instant classic". The reviewer, calling himself the New Cruelty, wrote on Ain't it Cool News that Ratatouille - a story about a rat who wants to become a chef - is "funny" and the "performances are just right". Ratatouille features a host of stars lending their vocal talents to the animated rodents, such as Arrested Development's Will Arnett and Ian... Read more
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