touching slice of life, but no classic

Rating: 6/10 (1 January 2005)

Garden State is heartfelt and amusing on a small scale. There are numerous mildly clever lines and shots. The first hour flies by and absorbs the viewer with its deadpan look at mid-20s angst. The film drags a bit in its second hour. The final half-hour of the film is disappointing - instead of trying to resolve any of its interesting plot lines, the film becomes a simple "Will-he-or-won't-he?" love story. Braff is solid as the bland, quiet center of the film. Portman annoys initially, coming across as forced, but settles into a groove as she stops trying to convince us her character is eccentric. The side characters provide most of the humor. The love story is well-played and believable. A good film that could have been great, and is worth seeing. Zack Braff's combined contributions to this film are impressive enough to make me curious to see his next project.