I wish Largeman was my brother...

Rating: 10/10 (1 November 2007)

TV Star Zach Braff of the hit show "Scrubs," writes, directs and stars in the comedic and poignant Garden State.
The film tells the story of Andrew Largeman, (Braff) a twenty something man living in Los Angeles as a working actor. When he receives a call from his estranged father that his mother as passed away, Largeman must travel back to the place he left nine years ago and never looked back, New Jersey.
This is the most personal and revealing work by any actor turned writer-director in the new millennium thus far. Braff doesn't shoot this film as a gimmick to his friends at home but takes on this task with high levels of respect and dignity. Braff shows how multi-talented he really is from the always engaging dialogue to the semi-pro eye catching director's skill. And if writing and directing weren't impressive enough, Braff turns in one of the best performances by any actor of 2004. Completely mind-shattering and completely awards worthy. Braff is the revelation of Garden State by far.
But with all the praise going to his performance, the director sure did make sure to get top notch work out of his supporting cast. Natalie Portman as the lovable and pathological liar Sam is the beauty of any heroin to any man. Portman shows great esteem and the natural essence of a Jersey girl. Peter Sarsgaard who broke out on the scene in Shattered Glass, has such an uncomfortable scene presence but nearly knocks it out of the park every time. Ian Holm, the acting legend of the 80's and 90's, plays Largeman's father. As his tough demeanor progresses, we see how much of an icon Holm actually is. Breaking into mainstream cinema has never been his forte, unless you bring it back to Chariots of Fire, but as a fine wine that gets better with age, Holm is an acting master class.
The inclusion of music in the film with great bands and Jersey-style aura has the viewer in awe. The soundtrack is one of the best film soundtracks of all time, if you dig this style of music. The ending credit song places icing on the cake of this film. Listen to Frou Frou's "Let Go" and try to watch this film without feeling like the whole film as been encompassed in three verses and a chorus.
Garden State is the best independent picture of 2004 that every Suburban, Jersey kid should experience.
Grade: ****/****