Not the Must See of the year, but...

Rating: 8/10 (3 January 2005)

Garden State was good. Especially as a first film for Zach Braff. The directing was simple but well enough. The writing was superior overall. Some parts were eh, but it was written very realistically (who didn't identify with at least one character, or know someone very like them?) and at times was utterly hilarious.
The times that didn't work well for me was when Braff started to go "deep" and it ended up sounding very phony. The comedy was brilliant, but not all of the deep moments translated well. These are simple mistakes by a first time writer. I would be very surprised if this was Braff's best film. I expect good things to come.
I rated this movie an 8. It isn't great, its not what everyone says, but there is something about it that makes you like it. Like i said, i expect Braff to improve. The reply value of this movie, for me, is about a 4/10. I'd watch it again, but I don't think I could watch it very often.
As others have said, Natalie Portman was awesome, especially in her beginning scenes. She was outstanding. If she was nominated for best supporting actress I would be OK with the nomination, but I don't think she deserves to win. It was good, but for the type of movie and character, I don't think it was Oscar worthy.
Good flick. Rent it.