I tend to go into movies with very high expectations.

Rating: 10/10 (28 August 2004)

Many times, my expectations lead to a sub-par experience at some of the highest touted movies. I remember purchasing My Big Fat Greek Wedding on DVD without having ever gotten the chance to see it in the theater. Based on reviews from professionals and friends alike, I was sure I couldn't go wrong. That movie went right to the used-book and CD store the immediate next day.
So, being a huge fan of Scrubs, I allowed myself to label this movie as a possibility of being one of the best movies I had seen this year. Well, it's always a wonderful treat when my expectations are met or exceeded, and this was one of those instances.
Several things made this movie tremendous, but three aspects stand-out the most.
First, the writing. When I heard of this movie, I immediately thought that through Braff's ability to portray the character he conveys in Scrubs, that he would have a good mind for dialogue in his own right. He has always seemed to suggest that his character is contrived of his own fruition, which means that no other actor could satisfy the role quite the same.
Second, Natalie Portman. Wow! What an amazing way to grab a role and run with it. I have spent time as a counselor in a mental health facility, and probably more time being counseled. She hits this neuroses dead on. Clearly, the writing has a lot to do with her character, but the writing and the portrayal must blend together to form a cohesive role. Without the proper agreement, if you will, of casting and dialogue, a part, or entire movie, can fall by the wayside. I had my doubts about her abilities, until viewing this brilliant performance.
Finally, the cinematography. Having a friend who has recently began his career in this field, I've had the priveledge of gathering insight in to this somewhat unknown side of film-making. Granted, in this forum, it may not be so unknown, but to the layman, usually only the most bizarre of angles, lighting, and whatnot may grab attention to this side of film. In this film, I would go as far to say that if you turned the sound on mute and watched the entire film, it would still be intriguing enough to stick around until the very end. There are little touches and elements of, to create a new word, 'surreality', that make the movie have an almost inconceivable setting. But bring in the script and the acting, and the setting because impossible to deny.
Some points made me laugh. Some points made me cry. Some things kept me guessing. And some points made me wonder why. But, all in all, I have to say that barring the next couple of months, this movie ranks in my top 3 of this year, and it will be hard for many to contend.