Garden State (DVD)

Andrew Largeman is an aspiring actor living in Los Angeles, famed for playing a retarded quarterback. He has been estranged from his family for many years, after an incident which made him pursue a career outside of New Jersey (the Garden State of the title). He has been on mind controlling drugs for many years, a course of action thought best by both his doctor and psychiatrist father Gideon. His mother's death brings him back to his home state for the first time in nine years. He also decides to use it as an opportunity to lay off the drugs for a while, to see what difference it makes, if any at all. He has also been suffering some headaches like smalll lightning ...  Read the complete review

Who would have ever thought that the star of the offbeat sitcom 'Scrubs' Zach Braff, was capable of writing and directing a tale of lost youth, of a man sleepwalking through life with such style and aplomb, I know I wouldn't have done. He is likeable in 'Scrubs' but nothing in that series, as fun as it is, gave the impression that he could not only write this well but had direction in his blood as well. 'Garden State' is a wry comedy/coming of age drama in the style of a more restrained Wes Anderson (Rushmore, Royal Tennebaums). It has that off the wall kookiness of Anderson but is based more on a reality we know and understand, as opposed to Anderson's ...  Read the complete review

Being a fan of Scrubs I watched this purely for the Zach Braff link, I can honestly say I was not expecting anything with the depth and appeal of this and so it was a wholly pleasent surprise. Its not to say that I dont think Braff is talented, I think he is great in Scrubs but its hardly the most intellectually challenging of programmes/roles, I knew that he had tried his hand at directing a few episodes and had had involvement in the soundtrack at times but with Garden State this really did seem to be the next stage in his devlopment as an actor and behind the scenes. This isnt one of those films where major events shape the plot and drive the ...  Read the complete review

I absolutely loved this witty, intriguing, and extremely interesting film. It is rather strange and has some very weird scenes, but the strangeness that it has is one of my favorite aspects of this movie. Zack Braff, from Scrubs, and Natalie Portman do an excellent job playing their colorful characters in this entertaining movie. This is definitely one of my favorites and I highly encourage you to rent or buy it and watch it immediately if you have not already seen this fantastic film. The main characters in this movie is Andrew, played by Braff. Andrew who has been emotionally stunted for years ever since he started taking anti-depressants. has been trying to ...  Read the complete review

It would seem that over the years New Jersey is becoming quite a popular place to make films. In recent years it has featured as the location in some part for all of Kevin Smith's movies and now Scrubs star Zach Braff makes the Garden State the location and title of his debut film. Having been the star of Scrubs for a while it seems that Braff has decided to make the transition into movies. Rather than do it the easy way Braff decided to go down the writing and directing role. The film is based around Andrew 'Large' Largeman (Braff) who escaped his home town in New Jersey to start a new life in LA as an actor. When his mother dies, however he is forced to ...  Read the complete review