Alright for a debut, but lacking a lot.

Rating: 6/10 (27 July 2005)

This movie has a lot of hype surrounding it and has fast become a favourite amongst the young adults. I can see why this is. Zach Braff has used popular music from indie bands and has written a story that is very appealing to young audiences.
But when it comes to actually looking at the film in terms of directing, acting, script- writing and whatever other ingredients are needed to make a good movie- the film just manages to make it over the line.
Firstly, the directing is extremely mediocre, but that is understandable considering Braff's experience and this being his first film. There are some scenes (in particular one in which Braff is sitting on a couch as the night passes by him) which seem like they are only there to make it look like he can direct, as if to say "this is a creative way of filming a scene, look at my talent!!" Secondly, the acting is as great as it is made out to be. But as least Zach Braff can admit that about himself. When it comes to Natalie Portman she does not give her best performance. Her voice is whiny and she over acts a lot. Ian Holm is ordinary and his talent could be used in finer movies. Peter Sarsgaard is pretty good, bringing about a lively spirit to the film.
Then comes the story and the script. The story basically follows the life of Andrew Largeman (Braff) as he goes back to his hometown for a funeral and he sees how his friends have changed and how the town has changed.. boy meets girl.. you know the rest. Personally, I didn't find the story that riveting, it was alright but the fact that I didn't really like the characters much brought down the film a lot. The script isn't all that wonderful either. Characters come into the film and you never see them again. Even though that is breaking the boundaries of usual script writing (which I like) it is annoying when you are introduced to someone and you never see them again.
Overall, the movie is something that you see once and forget. It's not as brilliant as it's made out to be (and really does not deserve the 8 star rating it has on IMDb!). It's an average movie that might be worth seeing if you are a fan of indie bands, the actors involved, or just something to fill time.