Garden State

Rating: Null/10 (28 October 2011)

A Review of Garden State
I have never really been into you could say, "lovey dovy" or "girly romantic" films that have that same typical rhythm of love scenes that end up with that same corny ending. They usually start off with a couple that's madly in love; to someone or something intervening in the relationship; to kissing and making up to live happily ever after. Besides the fact that the film did not have those types of attributes, and that I'm a huge fan of the irresistibly adorable Natalie Portman, I can safely say that I really enjoyed the film Garden State. Zach Braff (the guy from scrubs)who plays (Largeman) and Natalie Portman who plays (Sam) display a mildly romantic, dry humorous performance that you don't normally see on your regular blockbuster night.
The first time I ever saw Natalie Portman was on the 1994 thriller, Leon: The Professional, where she plays this scrawny 12 year old girl that lives with a disturbing abusive family. It was obviously not the breakthrough of her career, but her potential certainly did catch the attention of many big shot Hollywood movie makers when you take a good look at her up-to-date achievements, which includes the Oscar Emmy Award she just won for her leading performance on Black Swan. Let's just say that without Portman's supporting role, I would be speaking otherwise about Garden State.
I'm not going to deny that I have enjoyed other comedy/romantic films like She's Out of My League or Just Friends, but let's admit that those films have the same typical role where the guy chases after the girl and eventually ends up with her. Garden State has more of a mellow pace to it. While the film does start off a bit on the down side by Largeman receiving the bad news of the passing of his mother, moments later opening his bathroom cabinet to dozens of anti-depressant pills, then flying to his hometown for the funeral, it does crawl its way up to some pleasant scenes and unexpected humor. I like that the film has this tranquil mellow flow to it. The way Largeman cruises down the streets of his hometown in this old sidecar motorcycle, which I think is hilariously cool by the way. It has these beautiful green sceneries of the humble neighborhoods that seem like the ideal place to raise a family. It just brings this peacefulness to the viewers. As Jesse Hassenger stated "...the film's warmth sneaks up on you." It wasn't that unpredictable that Largeman and Sam would end up falling for each other the moment they met at the Doc's office while the dog was humping Largeman's leg. But I love that the focus wasn't based on Largeman going out of his way to impress Sam, or either of them seeking an apology for something stupid they did. They both go with the flow of who they are without making things complicated. Sam is the cute girl next door type that just can't help from smiling or make others around her smile. She has this harmless side to her about compulsive lying, but in a humorous way. Largeman is just plain serious, and has this dry humor that makes viewers laugh almost effortlessly. Even on the most romantic part of the film by the fireplace where Largeman confesses to Sam that he likes her a lot, is turned humorous by Sam starting to tap dance.
The main aspect of the film was that Largeman wasn't very happy with where his life was going until he went back home. He right away felt comfortable after hanging out with his old friend Mark at a party and the next day meeting Sam. It almost seems that he has felt left out of everything, especially with all the medication he had been under. He finds out that he can care for others and others can care for him. There's this part where Mark asks Largeman to help him track down a going away present for Largeman. Largeman brings Sam along and the three of them go through the most awkward situations to track this item. Largeman gets frustrated, and finally shows some emotion to Mark of how he's not comfortable with Sam having to go through all that. It showed that Largeman really cares about Sam, and Sam seemed to find his emotions adorable.
The ending had to of course be dramatic by Largeman having to be in the plane to realize that he wants to stay with Sam. Does he really need to get in the plane to realize that? I guess! I do agree with Roger Ebert when he states "This is not a perfect movie" But what can you really expect from a film that was filmed in 25 days with a budget under $3,000,000.00. I say, "not bad at all!" This film can be found motivating by people who have been or currently are depressed. Especially for young people who feel neglected by their family or society itself. Overall, it's a very pleasant film, and would recommend anyone to sit down and enjoy it.