Impressive first feature

Rating: 8/10 (3 November 2013)

The first half hour of Zack Braff's debut as a writer and director establishes him as a filmmaker of immense talent, and I hope he'll get to make more films soon. It's opening act high captures a youthful sense of upper-middle class depression, alienation and ennui as well as I've seen, with comedy that makes you hurt inside, and inventive visual story telling.
After that the film comes down to earth somewhat, but it's still full of goodies. Peter Saarsgaurd in particular creates an unforgettable supporting character while being complexly understated.
This story of an depressed actor in his late 20s returning home after 9 years has a lovely mix of quirky humor, and well-earned sadness. Braff satirizes small town America without putting it down, and pokes fun at depression and family tragedy without it feeling shallow - neither very easy feats. Great use of music as well.
Where the film falters for me is in the love story, which feels bizarrely familiar and unimaginative compared to the storytelling all around it. Also, while both fine actors, I never really felt any great chemistry between Braff and Natalie Portman. In some ways Braff's relationship with Saarsguard feels more nuanced. Last, Portman's character feels so young, so unformed next to Braff that it's hard to believe she's ready for a serious relationship.
The very end has received some justifiable carping from critics as a bit of a cop out, but it didn't bother me nearly as much as such things usually do.
But all that said, this is a terrific debut film, and a terrific film about being young and lost.