Thumbs up for Garden State!

Rating: 8/10 (1 May 2006)

I was pleasantly pleased with Garden State. The writing was excellent. Great story line and plot. Every turn in the story delivers with a kind of smoothness not expected for a first time director. Zach Braff does a wonderful job balancing acting and directing in his directing debut for the big screen. Natalie Portman is so lovable playing an insecure, compulsive lier (and also a great ice skater!).
The story is based on Largeman (Braff) coming home for his mother's funeral and catching up with old friends. The group of friends, centered around his best friend turned grave digger and inventor turned millionaire friend that has more money than he knows what to do with, makes the movie. Portman's innocence throws a nice balance to the group. (The CAT Scan scene makes my sides hurt every time!) Overall, a great movie with a wonderful ending. Very light hearted and quirky but ultimately sincere.
Bottom Line: Great movie, written by, directed by, and starring a very funny and talented person, Zach Braff.