Somewhat tedious romance

Rating: 4/10 (17 January 2005)

I don't understand why anybody would give this movie a 10/10. OK, the acting work is adequate, the script contains some good lines and ideas (I liked the miniature pet cemetery and the scene in the boat) and the music is not as bad as one would expect. And I assume that younger people will recognize more of their own life and attitude in it than I do.
But when I read that people liken this movie to a classic like "The Graduate", I wonder how they even can start to compare. I have nothing against Zach Braff, but he's definitely no Dustin Hoffmann (yet?) and even less a Mike Nichols. The romance between Large and Sam is quite nice, but it contains far too much saccharine. The ending of the movie is so disgustingly syrupy my teeth started to ache. Compare that to Benjamin and Elaine driving away in the bus without looking to each other: now that's an image one never forgets and what makes "The Graduate" a classic. Two minutes after the end I had completely forgotten what music what music was used in "Garden State"; I just remembered it hadn't disturbed me much. Forgetting "The Sound of Silence" or "Mrs. Robinson" is nearly impossible, because it's really music that can change your life.
I found "Garden State" sometimes boring, sometimes funny, and it's probably worthwhile watching it on TV while socializing with friends. But I wouldn't advise anybody to watch it in the theater or buy the DVD. Personally I would prefer to have my money back and not have seen this movie. But as Sam was really cute I'll give it a 4/10.