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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 |
| Genres | Audio Descriptive, Comedy, Drama, Romance |
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Critics' reviews (5)
View all -
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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Zach Braff's engaging puppy-dog charm and sharp comic timing played a big part in the success of the TV comedy Scrubs. Those qualities are very much to the fore in this, his first major starring role. But it's his talents behind the camera as writer and director that really impress. The story is familiar enough: an actor is forced to re-examine his rather empty, aimless life when he returns to his home town in New Jersey for the funeral of his mother. But Braff's thoughtful, mature script neatly sidesteps most of the obvious clichés, while as a director he shows a fine eye for offbeat composition. The performances are uniformly excellent too, particularly Natalie Portman, as the quirky local girl that Braff befriends, and Peter Sarsgaard as his old grave-digging school friend. It falters near the end but this is still a fine directorial debut.
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Inconsequential comedy of a man trying to find himself among a town full of eccentrics and discovering someone to love.
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
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82 out of 93 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! -
63 out of 82 people found this review helpful
Garden Statements 3.5 stars
'Garden State' revolves around the Prozac injected world of, Andrew 'Large' Largeman, who is forced to return to his hometown, the 'Garden State' of New Jersey. Both refreshing and depressing in equal measures - more cold turkey and pedestrian than Donnie Darko but with the same sense of unidirectional angst against all things. The story feels real; mainly because of the way it hangs open at the ends. There are some memorable scenes, and the acting is superb. Andrew faces a decision whether to face the world or to numb the world; to limit himself to the expectations of his father (who administers the Prozac) or to set himself free. It's not a children's story. It is the typical story about coming home to see things in a new light - a mature take that older audiences would appreciate - small personal battles - and at a 'take it slow and steady' pace.
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45 out of 56 people found this review helpful
State of Mind
I loved this film and went to see it twice in the cinema. If you know Zach Braff from Scrubs prepare for a marked change of pace. It is slow and still and sexy and sweet by turns - with much to smile at and a few satisfying belly-laughs.
A great soundtrack and some nice visual one-liners. I would say one of the top five of 2004. -
Most recent members' reviews (2)
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Not especially funny
The movie sees Zach Braff return his home town from Hollywood to attend the funeral of his mother. In Hollywood he has been living the life of a struggling actor and on returning he falls in love with a local girl (Natalie Portman). The characters and situations are quirky but totally unengaging. Rent something else - unless you are a die-hard Zach Braff or Natalie Portman fan.
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Wishy Washy
This movie was a bit of a disappointment for me. The beginning was lacklustre and pretty non-engaging. However this was, in part, a reflection of the main characters lack of emotion, and as the film progressed I warmed to the characters and their little interactions.
There are some lovely captured moments during the last third but I felt that all the main issues within the film were never really addressed, and when touched upon were very wishy washy and unconvincing.
As for the ending, it was shockingly bad. All tied up in a completely unbelieveable and soppy bow.
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82 out of 93 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! -
63 out of 82 people found this review helpful
Garden Statements 3.5 stars
'Garden State' revolves around the Prozac injected world of, Andrew 'Large' Largeman, who is forced to return to his hometown, the 'Garden State' of New Jersey. Both refreshing and depressing in equal measures - more cold turkey and pedestrian than Donnie Darko but with the same sense of unidirectional angst against all things. The story feels real; mainly because of the way it hangs open at the ends. There are some memorable scenes, and the acting is superb. Andrew faces a decision whether to face the world or to numb the world; to limit himself to the expectations of his father (who administers the Prozac) or to set himself free. It's not a children's story. It is the typical story about coming home to see things in a new light - a mature take that older audiences would appreciate - small personal battles - and at a 'take it slow and steady' pace.
-
45 out of 56 people found this review helpful
State of Mind
I loved this film and went to see it twice in the cinema. If you know Zach Braff from Scrubs prepare for a marked change of pace. It is slow and still and sexy and sweet by turns - with much to smile at and a few satisfying belly-laughs.
A great soundtrack and some nice visual one-liners. I would say one of the top five of 2004. -
45 out of 67 people found this review helpful
Must See
This is the first time in a very long time that I've been completely taken into a film for it's truth and honesty. There are so many aspects of this film that I could relate to on a actual basis rather than fantastical. Well done to Zach Braff on his first written/directed/starring role film...hopefully there will be many more to come
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32 out of 38 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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28 out of 46 people found this review helpful
Perfect
This film is just one for everybody, I kept catching myself with a big grin on my face throughout. No matter what your tastes there is nothing not to like here. It's hilarious with the most fantastically crafted ensemble of odd bods but at the same time it manages to really tug at the emotions. It just feels completely accessible. Watch it and enjoy!
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22 out of 32 people found this review helpful
garden state
really boring rubbish film if you want to go to sleep watch this rubbish
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20 out of 28 people found this review helpful
Garden Shed more like
Another one of those films that all the critics raved over but I felt was seriously overrated a la 'Lost in Translation' and 'Sideways'. The story is drivel and the way it unfolds is uninteresting and unbelievable. Even Natalie Portman is terrible. Count Daddy's final thought - worth watching just so you can see for yourself how off the mark the critics were with this one.
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20 out of 28 people found this review helpful
Utter tosh. Just poor all round
I rented the film after seeing reviews, but I have to say this was as dull as watching my washing machine.
I gave up after 30 minutes and watched another film. I then restarted this film.
Nothing happens of note.
Perhaps if you liked dull slow poorly lit films this may be your thing, but not mine. As for best film of last year, dream on.
This film is visual vicodin. Leaves you as mellow as a good sleep. -
16 out of 26 people found this review helpful
Outstanding
A brilliant script delivered with superb performances. Funny, moving and offbeat - I had a stupid grin on my face for most of its duration. Highly recommended.
Critics' reviews (5)
-
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
-
Zach Braff's engaging puppy-dog charm and sharp comic timing played a big part in the success of the TV comedy Scrubs. Those qualities are very much to the fore in this, his first major starring role. But it's his talents behind the camera as writer and director that really impress. The story is familiar enough: an actor is forced to re-examine his rather empty, aimless life when he returns to his home town in New Jersey for the funeral of his mother. But Braff's thoughtful, mature script neatly sidesteps most of the obvious clichés, while as a director he shows a fine eye for offbeat composition. The performances are uniformly excellent too, particularly Natalie Portman, as the quirky local girl that Braff befriends, and Peter Sarsgaard as his old grave-digging school friend. It falters near the end but this is still a fine directorial debut.
-
Inconsequential comedy of a man trying to find himself among a town full of eccentrics and discovering someone to love.
-
Truthful, touching, insightful and inspiringly fresh.
-
One of the unexpected movie treats of the year
Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop
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- Garden State
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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 ... -
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