Overall plot lacking but rich in the details

Rating: 6/10 (16 January 2005)

If ever there was a reason not to extensively read the reviews before the movie, the gushing reviews for Garden State on IMDb are reason enough. Overwhelmed with "generation defining" tags, I expected a little too much from this warm but mostly inoffensive drama.
Although I found the rites of passage story to be a little contrived and unoriginal, there were enough details and scenarios in the film that kept me laughing along, and interested. Characters are inventive and quirky whilst still being believable.
It's good, but it didn't quite hit the right chord with me that I expected it too. The ending also, seemed tagged on to please the mainstream. I felt it would have been a better film if the last minute hadn't have played out.
Worth a watch, but might not change your life as predicted!