Brilliant, the best rainy day movie since "Ferris Bueller"

Rating: 10/10 (1 July 2006)

This is one of my favorite movies of all time and I watch it at least once a week. Braff's characters are brilliantly developed and you can relate to each and every one of them. One of the first things I realized when I was watching this movie was how each of the characters reminded me of one of my friends. Andrew Largeman (Braff), the main character is an emotionally numb struggling actor who comes to New Jersey after 9 years after his mother dies. After being on antidepressant drugs his entire life large goes on an odyssey all over New Jersey to find himself. Natalie Portman shines in the role of Sam, the compulsive liar love interest of Largeman. Peter Sarsgaard and Armando Riesco are great as High School friends Mark and Jesse who really haven't matured since Largeman left. For a first effort, Braff's Garden State is incredible.
The coming of age of Largeman, Sam and Mark is so easy to relate to and well written that you will want to watch this movie over and over. Even if indie films aren't your cup of tea, Garden State is worth a shot.