Garden State: Living up to expectations...

Rating: Null/10 (8 August 2004)

OK, so we have been seeing the ads for Garden State for at least six months, possibly longer if we keep up with the online previews. It has been built and built as time went on, and I can tell you that my expectations were high. We have been pummeled by commercials on television, ads in magazines and newspapers, and the internet. So my expectations were extremely high.
The commercials alone made me want to see this movie. I had been waiting for opening day for quite some time here in Philadelphia, and it finally arrived. With all the hype the industry sent out, adding to this the excitement that grew inside me even when I first saw the online preview months ago, plus the fact that the soundtrack had many of my favorite bands in it, you may think my expectations were unusually high for this movie. And now that I've seen it, I can honestly say it lived up to those expectations.
The acting, the script, the cinematography, everything made this movie worthwhile. And, as I said, I loved the soundtrack as well. It only enhanced the film. Of course, I am a little prejudiced because I love the bands (The Shins, Coldplay, Frou Frou, etc...)
Zach Braff is a stupendous writer. The script, the dialogue, everything is well- written and he deserves some major credit for this film. And as for his acting, I honestly do not think anyone could have portrayed his main character better than he. It was obvious throughout the movie that Braff felt a major connection with this character, some of which was based on his early life. Natalie Portman was great in the film, although her character comes across a little too obnoxiously at first. But as the film goes on, the viewer can feel a certain connection between her and Braff's character, and she becomes lovable, just like all of the characters.
Overall, you may read this and think that I have told nothing of the actual plot, and that is absolutely correct. I have read many reviews of this film AFTER seeing it, and realized that most of the gave way too much of the storyline away. This film is well-written, interesting, has a great soundtrack, amazing characters you can connect with, and everything that the commercial promises. It was a great film, and I recommend it to anyone. Enjoy!