Great movie, funny and sad at the same time.

Rating: 8/10 (29 July 2007)

Caught this movie for first time tonight. It was excellent, being both funny, touching and the plot and characters were brilliant. Even Natalie Portman (who I ain't such a big fan of) was good in it. Maybe it's because she's a bit older, but her acting has certainly improved since V for Vendetta.
Zach Braff (JD out from Scrubs on TV) directed, wrote and starred in the movie. Maybe 'starred' is the wrong word in this context, as all the actors (many of whom had familiar faces, if not names) were equally good. Thinking on it a lot of the actors I had seen before on TV comedies, Rachel's dad, from 'Friends' was in it. Again, playing a doctor (is this guy typecast or what. I could go and look up his name no problem, but would anyone care? I think not.
It was very funny in parts, the relationship between the two leads doesn't feel forced or hurried and is believable. It makes some very important points about the importance of friends and family. The direction is very good, it can't be easy directing yourself, so well done Zach. You can really feel the characters dilemma and empathise with him.
The people in the movie where very real people, the actors made you feel as though they weren't acting (always a good thing). I loved both the friendship between the lead and his best friend and also the relationship between the best friend and his mother. It was great to see a woman over 40 in a movie with attitude.
Recommend you see this movie, would appeal to ages 18+ mainly, either sex.