Fantastic. A great film in a summer of dull.

Rating: 10/10 (23 July 2004)

I've never done this before, but here it goes.
I saw this film Thursday July 22, 2004 at the Magnolia Theatre in Dallas and it was wonderful. The story was a great envelopment of what it is to really be a 20 something year old when they come home. Braff's humor in the film and yet awkward seriousness makes the film so heart warming that you just have to fall in love with it. The 35 mm film it was shot in makes the world feel large for "Large" in the film and really makes you want to be with him for these 4 days the film goes through.
The acting was very good for someone who is directing himself at the same time. Mr. Braff also does a wonderful job on keeping long takes on his actors when they give performances so you know it really is them acting and not the editing room making something for us. Ian holm makes some great use of his short time on screen as does the rest of the cast.
The soundtrack is what really sets this film above the bar. The unknown and known artists on this film are used so well in the film's context that they enhance the film rather than just add names to the movie. This was a most though considering there was next to no budget for the music.
However, when I saw the film there was a Q&A session afterwards with director/writer/actor Zach Braff and it was fantastic to hear his stories on making this film. Should this be read by Mr. Braff, thank you for coming to Texas and showing us your film.
The only other film I've seen this year that I think is great has been Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and I'm glad to see there is at least one other GREAT movie this year.