Product ReviewsGarden State (DVD, 2009, Wedding Faceplate)

Identity, confidence, and family issues in New Jersey

This film combines nostalgia with perceptive memories of our own youthful uncertainties as Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) comes home to New Jersey from Hollywood after nine years to attend his mother's funeral. Guilt and uncertainty are played out by Largeman and Samantha (Natalie Portman) against a backdrop of success and failure of Largeman's high-school contemporaries.

To lighten an essentially "noir" theme, a cast of animals (over-sexed dogs, maladroit hamsters, cats, Doberman Pinschers) provide emotional relief as Largeman and Sam circle each other. Absurdity and caricature, boredom and petty crime, utter vacuousness and failed family relations spice the action as each of the two recognizes in the other a greater need for just one sane uncomplicated relationship.

As Sam begins to stop apologizing for everything she does, Largemann begins to experience emotion and genuine feeling, something that a lifetime regimen of prescription drugs has suppressed. From the opening dream sequence of his sitting immobile through his impending death in a plane crash to the last scene played out in an airport, we witness a character coming alive and developing real relationships - with his new girlfriend and, equally importantly, with his controlling, tyrannical father.

This is a delightful comedy of absurd situations and heart-stoppingly frank emotion. It is as good a film of its genre as has appeared in many years.Read full review...

ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES OF OUR GENERATION

I am a guy, I am not into chick flicks...I hate Hugh Grant he is a douchebag. This movie sometimes gets grouped with those kinds of movies but it is not. It's a accurate look at the generation X 20 something year olds right now. We are a generation of the bored, crammed in ideals that are not our own. We look for the next big thing but really want the subtle things that make life worth living. Things that the commercial world wants us to forget. This movie is a perfect reminder of the real world and real people, its a dark comedy but its also a drama...one that is not panzied to overly mush you to death and make girls go awwww. Braff writes real characters that you would see everyday in the people you know in your life right now. He also presents Sam played by Natalie Portman whom in reality is every mans dream girl, one so imperfect and flawed but genuine and human. Devoid of implants, a make-up caked face and more interested in her own image. The supporting cast falls effortlessly around these two and its less a love story than about someone waking up from the world he was lost in. This movie is one that anyone can identify with in a variety of ways. Its a feel good movie I guess.Read full review...

Awesome movie, great cast.

While not for everyone, Garden State is a great movie with a powerful message. Zach Braff does an amazing job, and Natalie Portman is amazing.

I HIGHLY suggest reading a professional review off a mainstream site. Id give it an excellent rating, if it weren't such a niche market movie. Gotta be the right kind of person to enjoy it fully.

Also, the soundtrack is AMAZING. I didn't know 90% of the artist's before I saw the movie, but now they're many of my favorites (Notably The Shins, Check out Wincing the Night Away!)Read full review...

I Just Bought This DVD for Two Dollars

I was 19 when I first saw this movie. Needless to say it changed my life. I'm 34 now. There are still some moments, like when Beautiful World and The Waiting Line (songs) kick in, that get me every time...and he's only a fast food knight....and that's my mom...and kick him in the balls...and, well ya.Read full review...

A fresh look at reality, with whimsy

This off-kilter comedy of pure observation is a little rough, but still a gem in it's self-conciousness. The look and feel of this movie is refreshing and entertaining. Let yourself go and follow along as the characters find themselves and each other. The growth of the characters, independently and together, make this film a joy in and of itself. One of thebest love stories you will see and it avoids all of the overarching melodrama and tear jerking of the traditional love story. A solidly fun and quirky movie that you will find refreshing and rewarding.Read full review...

Unexpectedly Excellent

Perfectly chosen songs portray a journey through self-awareness, love, life and the everyday. Filled with serenity, longing, aching desire, adventure, high spirits, and calm all on the level of reality. It's a sweet melodic carpet ride. And Zach Braff wastes his time on sitcoms. He should continue to show his true talents by making more movies. Beautifully acted, beautifully directed, perfectly cast, superb soundtrack. Zach, you slowly embraced me until I could see how simplicity and honesty makes life so beautiful.

If you haven't seen this movie, go see it now. Don't expect car crashes or gunplay, but a slow ride into life that you hope never ends.Read full review...

Garden State (2004, DVD)

Ok. I'd like to give you a review about this movie. But to be honest. I've been trying to block it out of my mind ever since. The earlier review on this said they haven't met anyone who didn't rave about this movie.

Hi- My name is Kathy and I didn't like the movie. Sorry. If your idea of a good flick is to watch some loser guy with no aspirations in life other than to get high and hang out with girls is amusing. maybe this is for you.

This guy is so strung out on prespriction drugs, that he has no clue of reality. Personally I had a hard time staying awake. I didn't find it interesting or amusing at the very least.

My FIRST THUMBS ON A REVIEW....

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORead full review...

Zach Braff is a god in human form!

As an admitted Scrubs addict I found myself wanting to see more of Zach Braff's (Andrew Largeman) repertoire of films and acting talent. This movie shows the great conflict of interest involving family problems mixed with the attempts at fixing life by using prescription drugs and the effects that follow. Natalie Portman (Sam) has an exceptional performance as a somewhat strung out crazy girl who ends up getting along great with Zach Braff in the movie, I can't give away anymore... watch it and find out! you'll be glad you did!Read full review...

Expected more...

This movie wasn't expensive to own. The plot was not that interesting. I expected more out of the actors in terms of a connection. The characters had their own personality challenges, but the storyline didn't really go anywhere. Eileen Cook-YemmoRead full review...

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Nostalgic movie for me

Watched this when I was younger in high school and enjoyed the randomness it shows of life. It’s real showing how just one person can change your world in a short time and that’s what I love about it.

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