Almost brilliant

Rating: Null/10 (12 November 2004)

First time director, writer and comedy star Zach Braff takes on a weighty task to deliver an unmissable and genuine movie, but has trouble making it last.
The themes and overall idea behind Garden State is not one of particular originality, yet Braff seems adamant to take it beyond a simple "boy comes home to discover his true self" plot. The focus is on Braff in more ways than one in this movie and so his ambititousness is noted.
The movie begins with some brilliant characterisation and fantastic film making. The first half of the movie is alive with interesting characters and some genuinely heartfelt moments. Natalie Portman shines like we haven't seen since Leon and the introduction of many other unique characters is both incredibly funny and telling of Braff's depth into the story.
However, midway during the movie the writing and direction takes a bit of a nosedive. No longer are we allowed to see anything of Portman's character as she was built up to be, instead she is denigrated to tag along girlfriend whilst Braff goes on his self discovery journey that we all knew was (although hoped wouldn't) coming.
I am a big fan of Zach Braff though, indeed he was the reason I wanted to see the movie. However his lack of experience in taking on a project of this scale shows as we are left with half of an otherwise brilliant movie. Scrubs is now well into it's fourth season but I am hoping that someone can nurture Braff's writing and directing talent to give him the longevity that many other writer/directors don't have as we have moments of genius, both in his obviously great handle on comedy (although interestingly most of the moments are not directed at his character) as well as allowing the viewer to feel some really true moments.
Ian Holm and supporting cast are excellent where allowed to be, Natalie Portman is again outstanding when given room and Braff, well lets just say he is just Zach Braff and allow that time to mature.
Watch it and love it, but don't be too disappointed when it takes a downward turn and you will be pleasantly surprised.