Not your usual rom com fayre

Rating: 7/10 (31 December 2004)

This isn't what you'd expect from your usual rom com. If you like your rom coms caked in sugar with honey on top then steer clear of this. If you like an off beat film with lots of angst then you'll love it.
Andrew Largeman (Braff) is a an actor who spends his life high (or low in his case) on drugs prescribed by his father (Holm). After returning home for the first time in 9 years Largeman meets back up with his old pals who are mostly equally as unhinged. He meets Sam (Portman), who suffers from epilepsy, and her optimistic outlook on life slowly starts to rub off on Largeman.
This is a nicely played film and highly enjoyable. I noticed a review saying that it was equally as over rated as American Beauty and I've got to say it reminded me in feel to American Beauty and Requiem for a Dream. I'm sure it's been said in many reviews, but why can't Natalie Portman put in a performance like this in the Star War films. This is a real return to form for Portman and is nicely directed by Braff on his film debut.