Garden State

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Poe S Jan 15, 2019 Garden State became a darling of the festival circuit but it is not a lot better than most of the films of this kind. This film is one of those movies that fails to stay with the viewer for an extended period of time. It's a forgettable film featuring a throw-away story with unmemorable characters and unremarkable performances. That's not to say it's bad, because that would be an unfair description. But it's hard to figure out why this movie caused such a stir at Sundance. It's a generic story about how a 20-something loser returns to his roots, makes peace with his inner demons, and finds himself and love at the same time. However credit must be given to Zach Braff for not only acting and directing but also scribing the film. (Not as great as most say but good enough). See more

Hagrid W Jan 4, 2019 Happy Reunions. Garden State Braff's debut directorial of a major motion picture may not be a home run, but is surely a surprising packet of delight that pleads your to keep a broad smile plastered throughout this sweet mellow journey. Arguably an introvert, revisiting his hometown that mends the broken things, is not a fresh take on drama, but the rudimentary process no matter how gullible, elevates the theme to a bright sunny day. The shady past and social conflicts between friends and family remains mediocre throughout the course, the only overwhelmed experienced to this stay, is Portman in her chirpy persona that keeps her emotions on the surface. Using his strength of the star cast to his best, Braff keeps her on the lead no matter with whom the screen is being shared. The suave and soothing chemistry of theirs along with smart funny conversation keeps arguing back to all of our complaints. After which, the textbook structure and the overridden concept barely matters, Braff makes sure you too, as an audience, communicate with the gravitas of leaving your hometown. Braff as a performer suits in this low lazy boy costume fabricated for humor with aces held in his pocket. Portman, the trump card of this low budget drama soars above all, shattering the expectations and setting a new benchmark on a rom-com genre for her. The tightly packed screenplay that flows smoothly in its first act is jaggedly on mark that leaves a long lasting impression, from a hip and happening party to the first meeting with Portman's, each tiny detail factors in majorly on storytelling. Addition to that, the humor never feels stretching the case or even an extra bit of the narration, it all feels like an essential part of the act. Garden State is a merry state, this teenage flick raises the bar to survive as an independent family drama. See more

Leia G Sep 27, 2018 Despite the films undeniable charm, it meanders and wallows in its own quirkiness too much.

Finn W Jul 11, 2018 I personally think it would've been better without the feel good ending, but overall I liked this movie very much. It didn't go as far into the infinite abyss as maybe they aimed for, but it was an adventure and that's what matters most. I did not mind riding sidecar. The soundtrack was well implemented, too. See more

May 27, 2018 I really like the fact that this movie tackled the subject of mental illness and imperfection. Some parts were idealized and ignorant about this topic. But over all, it had a positive message. See more

Ron G May 12, 2018 one of the greatest movies, and one of my personal favorite movies. Watched it for the first time around 2009-2010, around the time I was 20/21 years old. It was so perfect, and moved me in regards to a specific time and point in life. This movie was unforgettable, and purely youthful. See more

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Garden State

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