GARDEN STATE

2004 ***** 109 mins.

Zach Braff's writing/directorial debut is absolutely fantastic. This drama/romance/comedy does not leave any viewer feeling disappointed. Zach Braff plays Andrew Largeman, a troubled young man who returns home for his mother's funeral. There, he meets and falls in love with Sam (Natalie Portman delivering her finest performance to date). Sure, it may sound like you've seen it before, but believe me when I tell you that you haven't. The style of storytelling and the set-up of each shot are absolutely divine. The comedy is low-key but hilarious. The dramatism is not over-done, but it reaches the heart. This film is the perfect balance of all elements of storytelling. Congrats to Zach Braff on a job well-done!
Rated R for language, drug use, and a scene of sexuality.