Garden State (2004)

65 out of 76 people found the following review helpful:

You must see this movie!

djamesc from from Immingham, 21st January, 2005

It is the start of the new year and inevitably the thoughts go to the 'best of's' of 2004. Why would I mention that? Because unless you have seen this film you haven't completed the list, because this film will be on it. Depending on taste of course (unfortunately). If you like smart, funny, quotable, sad, heartbreaking, awe inspiring, beautiful, memorable and just plain amazing then you will like this film.

Think I am over exaggerating? Think of a film where you can take any frame and stick it on a wall as a poster because it is that beautiful. Think 'Goodfellas', 'Fargo', 'Shawshank Redemption', 'City of God', 'Magnolia'... now add Garden State. The acting is phenomenal and proves that 'Leon' was not a flash in the pan for Portman and Braff should be nominated for a screenplay oscar.

Someone else mentioned 'Lost in Translation' as a comparison and that cannot be argued with. You like Lost in Translation then you will like this. You don't like Lost in Translation then this is sufficiently different to warrant spending a couple of hours of your life watching. It won't change your life, but it won't make you regret taking the time out of your life either.

I am begging you people! Take a chance!

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60 out of 79 people found the following review helpful:

Garden Statements 3.5 stars

N Stafford from England, 28th April, 2005

'Garden State' revolves around the Prozac injected world of, Andrew 'Large' Largeman, who is forced to return to his hometown, the 'Garden State' of New Jersey. Both refreshing and depressing in equal measures - more cold turkey and pedestrian than Donnie Darko but with the same sense of unidirectional angst against all things. The story feels real; mainly because of the way it hangs open at the ends. There are some memorable scenes, and the acting is superb. Andrew faces a decision whether to face the world or to numb the world; to limit himself to the expectations of his father (who administers the Prozac) or to set himself free. It's not a children's story. It is the typical story about coming home to see things in a new light - a mature take that older audiences would appreciate - small personal battles - and at a 'take it slow and steady' pace.

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44 out of 55 people found the following review helpful:

State of Mind

BeaHerenow from London, 12th January, 2005

I loved this film and went to see it twice in the cinema. If you know Zach Braff from Scrubs prepare for a marked change of pace. It is slow and still and sexy and sweet by turns - with much to smile at and a few satisfying belly-laughs.

A great soundtrack and some nice visual one-liners. I would say one of the top five of 2004.

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44 out of 66 people found the following review helpful:

Must See

A Customer from Bristol, England, 11th December, 2004

This is the first time in a very long time that I've been completely taken into a film for it's truth and honesty. There are so many aspects of this film that I could relate to on a actual basis rather than fantastical. Well done to Zach Braff on his first written/directed/starring role film...hopefully there will be many more to come

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Garden State

A Customer from Sheffield, 3rd January, 2009

This film has instantley become one of my favourites. Its amazingly well acted characters, provocative and interesting storyline and all round excellence makes up for slight drags in the plot

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Love the Braff!!

onion from , 21st December, 2008

I'll keep this short coz given the amount of other reviews I doubt anyone will ever read this. So, great film, hopefully Braff will be a major player in hollywood soon as he totally speaks to the 90's generation who have yet to find their place in the world (we're not all high flying lawers etc. as most films would have you believe). I mean, for example 'Red Eye'! come on! she was what? 27, and in charge of a whole chain of hotels? I think. And he was like, an experienced assassin who happened to be around the same age?. Add 20 years and we're in business. Or at least I think so anyway. Bit bitter me. Don't get me wrong, it was a great film, and I love Wes Craven, but a little realism would've been nice! Personally I think 'Jayma Mays' as Cynthia was the best thing in that film. I actually skipped back to her scenes after the film had ended. Noooo, Not for that! Just thought she was awesome, magnetic, if you will. Shame she went on to do that awful, what was it? Epic Movie? Waste of talent. I really hope she finds her way into some better roles. Hot and funny is a rare combination. Sorry, I get lke this after a few beers. Anyway, Garden State is really good! So much for keeping it short.

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Garden that grows on you

A Customer from Billingshurst, 29th November, 2008

Watched this when it was in the cinemas by random selection. We were bemused at first and then settled in to a charming but quirky story about 'ordinary' folk. It's a tale about life and how you should look around you to see the worth of it all. The music is great and sets the overall mood. Don't get this if car chases and explosions are your thing. Otherwise, if you're out for something with a human touch (almost on a par with 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape'), then this is worth a look in.

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boring and pointless

A Customer from Surbiton, England, 21st November, 2008

I've read so many positive critics on the magazine that I had high expectations for this movie. They all crashed down within the first 10 minutes. Bit pointless, the emotions are kept on hold: funny and surreal moment, but no real laugh; some emotional moment that never managed to really touch my heart. Overall boring, I had to fight to not skip most of the chapters.

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