Unexpected pleasure

Rating: 10/10 (29 September 2005)

As a 40-something female, I didn't expect to enjoy this movie, despite recommendations from (younger) friends. Another friend played the soundtrack, and based on how much I loved the music, I finally rented the DVD. The sense of alienation and emotional numbness that slowly dissipated during the movie is something that almost anyone can relate to. I almost didn't recognize Peter Sarsgaard (I last saw him in Kinsey), he completely inhabited his slacker character. At first Natalie Portman seemed too cutesy, but she grew on me and by the end I was cheering for her and Zach Braff's character. Not exactly uplifting, but deeply affecting.