Unexpectedly Refreshing

Rating: 10/10 (4 October 2004)

In a movie world of ten million run of the mill romantic comedies
and a million other dark, "original" disturbing attempts at being
artistic, Garden State is like a drink of sweet water. Largeman
(Zach Braff) is laid bare, we share his embarrassment,
numbness, curiosity and affection. Sam (Natalie Portman) is
perfectly dazzling, reminiscent of the free-spirited yet fragile, naive
girl everyone knows. The interaction (or lack-thereof) between
Largeman and his father (Ian Holm) is chillingly realistic, as is the
entire film quite realistic and fantastic at the same time. The
material is previously uncovered as to do with the happenings
between Largeman and his mother. This is the first movie I've seen in a long time that was both
original and full of hope. Also, the soundtrack is addictive.