Quirky comedy about a quirkily comedic everyman returning to his home town.

Rating: 7/10 (5 January 2005)

I had high hopes for this, what with Scrubs being consistently hilarious, well-observed and occasionally moving. Sad to say this isn't even half way there.
Although in the guise of an offbeat indie film, this never feels authentic, and can be grouped alongside those other contrived pass-offs - The Secretary or Chocolat. This isn't in the same league as Donnie Darko or Happiness.
It all seems a little too by the numbers, lacking any real insight, as it desperately tries to wear its kooky credentials on its sleeve. Natalie Portman's excruciatingly overwrought turn JUST HAD to be pushed way beyond the realm of credibility with the liar's tick or the hamster run in the house. Zack JUST HAD to get around via an old army bike and sidecar combo. His friends JUST HAD to include a wacked out grave-digger, a feckless millionaire and a charmless pyramid scammer.
Now I have nothing against gentle whimsy, but it upsets me when there were glimpses of a much better film here. A nice opening half hour with good visual riffs on lack of communication and stifling conformity. But when the lead actor / writer / director falls for the perky, Portman pixie the whole things descends into idle wish fulfilment.
Rather give me the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to see two properly fleshed out characters written and performed with acres more indie credibility.