Garden State

[marlowe203]

my apologies if there is a thread already started about this film, but i did take the time to look...and unless im really stupid i couldnt find one...but i enjoyed this movie so much i felt the need to post a thread anyways...because i'd like to know some of your opinions about it...me and 2 of my closest friends have been trying to see this film for about 3 weeks now...but unfortunately things kept getting in the way, and it was only playing at 1 theater (a great inconvience)..well long story short, we feel finally got to go and see it last night, and i was so glad we did...this film had some amazing elements and i absolutely loved it. such a great debut film from a great actor on a decent show, but the fact that Zach Bruff, directed, wrote and starred in this film was amazing to me. He had an incredible vision, and i loved how unique this story was...this film was oozing with symbolism and some incredible dialogue scenes that you can lose yourself in...i have always found it hard find and truly love when i can find a film that had some straight dialogue scenes that you were actually captivated by. just the overall message of this film, the script, the cast, the camera work, the music!, all incredibly done...A+ in my books...lets get some other opinions in here.

[nebbit]

Sorry i haven't seen it :)

[scissorhands85]

An amazing movie. It didn't have to hit you over the head with every point it was tryng to make, you just had to sit down and shut up and listen. It was nice to see a movie done like this, it was original and refreshing. Amazing directing and acting I thought as well. Plus I am a sucker for Natalie Portman as well so I am biased there. But a great soundtrack as you pointed out, a lot of great songs that you don't here very often. Has anyone seen this movie and not liked it?

[scissorhands85]

Even though it appears marlowe203 and I are the only ones to see this movie I thought I would still go ahead and post Zack Braff's Garden State Blog site here... http://gardenstate.typepad.com/ For those who don't know Zack Braff wrote/directed/acted in the movie and he is also on the show scrubs. He writes posts on the Blog and they are usually funny. Give it a whirl.

[Holden Pike]

Even though it appears marlowe203 and I are the only ones to see this movie...

I saw Garden State months ago (it was released in August). I liked it OK, and it was a good debut for a young first-time writer/director. But it's not great. It tries too hard and falls into the traps of a young writer overreaching and being quirky for the sake of being quirky rather than having faith in real characters and subtlty. But, as a first movie, pretty good though still flawed. I'd grade it a solid "B".

As for Braff, I'll definitely be looking forward to what he does in the future. "Scrubs" is the best sitcom on newtork TV in recent years, and he showed talent with Garden State. I'll just hope he progresses and does a better overall effort next time.


And there are a few threads on this movie elsewhere on the site. HERE (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=8121) for one.

[Yoda]

I thought Garden State was fantastic. I'm always charmed by films which can make relatively uneventful, everyday things seem important. That's how you know the movie's "got" you.

The only part I wasn't so high on was the climax of sorts with Braff and Ian Holm, who plays his father. The film had done a fine job of building up to it, but what was actually said felt somewhat out of place, and rather anticlimactic. It was a big scene...an important scene...and it was a step down from the rest of the film.

I still crack up when I think of that diploma on the ceiling, though. Definitely one of my favorite films of the year.

[scissorhands85]

Yoda, I read that they cut out a lot of scenes dealing with his "dad issues" do to time constraints and becuase he didn't want that to be the main focus of the film, I see what you are saying though. Those missing scenes are supposed to be on the DVD. I really like the way you described the movie "I'm always charmed by films which can make relatively uneventful, everyday things seem important. That's how you know the movie's "got" you." I thought that was a great way to look at it (sorry I dont know how to do the thing where you quote somebody yet).

Holden, I here ya on the Scrubs, one of my favorite shows out there. Did you happen to check out his Blog??? Or you Yoda?? I also am looking forward to what he does in the future, I know his brother just wrote a book and it has gotten really good reviews, I believe it is on a similar subject. I can't think of the name of it right now but I will post it as soon as I remember. Adios

[casa]

great movie indeed, im quite surprised actually at the lack of response this movie has gotten on this site, needless to say im stoked about the dvd and will be first inline to get it.

[D'yer Mak'er]

The film was good indeed. It had some hilarious parts but it wasn't the seriousness that enthralled me. I'll have to agree with Holden and give it a 3.5/5. Excellent debut but like previously said, it was as if Zach Braff was trying to overstate his message. And the soundtrack really sh*ted me (i generally don't like soundtracks where i can recognise each and every song)
I must admit some bias though, it would have been 4 stars if it weren't for Natalie Portman. I just... don't like her.

But anyway,
"somebody's been pissing on my gamecube"

[Henry The Kid]

Heavy-handed and overrated. Not subtlety exists within the confines of this film. I saw it a few months ago and liked it while I was seeing it, but upon thinking back to it I started to avidly dislike it.

Also, the movie is promising. I don't think Garden State is bad, per se, but I know a lot of people went to see it expecting Lost in Translation or Eternal Sunshine levels of insight. None of that was to be found. A fun, forgettable movie which holds hope for Braff's future.

[SpoOkY]

Also, the movie is promising. I don't think Garden State is bad, per se, but I know a lot of people went to see it expecting Lost in Translation or Eternal Sunshine levels of insight. None of that was to be found. A fun, forgettable movie which holds hope for Braff's future.

You're right about it not matching up with Lost in Translation or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but maybe you were hoping that it would. When I saw it I sat there and took it all in, there were really beautiful and clever moments in this film and each impressed me more and more.

Of course it doesn't give the great insights of my favourite movies but I'm sick of expecting to discover compelling insights and being disappointed when there are few or none. That was why I didn't really enjoy Hero all that much because while it was truly stunning and moving there were no fascinating insights, so I felt short changed somehow. So when I saw this movie I made sure not to find out about it or expect anything, rather just take it in as it is and enjoy it. I'd give it Four :up::up::up::up: out of five.

[liam5000]

I really enjoyed this movie; so much in fact, that I saw it twice.
I found Natalie Portman's performance very good, very reminiscent of Diane Keaton's Annie Hall.

My favorite line: "... And here comes the lip-stick"

[CherryBlossomGirl]

This film was extremly overrated. It was kind of like an art film for people who don't understand art films. I was expecting it to be this amazing film since everyone on imdb and some of my friends were going on and on about how much they loved it but it just was very underwhelming.

[Yoda]

I suspect I enjoyed it because I didn't have too much of a preconceived notion of what kind of film it was trying to be. I thought it would be offbeat, but did not go in excepting an art film. It may fail as an "art film," but I don't think it's trying to be one.

I think people often expect the lower budget, independent-feeling films to be a certain way. But they're not all, as Richard Roeper put it, people fighting and/or talking about sex for 90 minutes.

[James_Sparrow]

I saw it not to long ago when it was released on DVD. I saw the trailers and thought it looked like my kind of film. So I took the chance and checked it out, All in all i was pleased with it, I feel they could have had more in it and that it was lacking on some parts but for the most part its an good flick. I'll probably pick it up down the line. Overall I would give it a "A-"

[Henry The Kid]

I suspect I enjoyed it because I didn't have too much of a preconceived notion of what kind of film it was trying to be. I thought it would be offbeat, but did not go in excepting an art film. It may fail as an "art film," but I don't think it's trying to be one.


How do you figure it's not trying to be an art film?

[Yoda]

How do you figure it's not trying to be an art film?There's no way for me to answer that question unless you define what you mean by the term "art film." To me, the term refers to a film less concerned with entertainment and/or insight, and more concerned with something self-indulgent. Usually some sort of intense character study, or some vague attempt to "tackle" or "confront" some controversial social issue. Style being given precedence over substance (or entertainment) is the most succint definition I can give.

Garden State seems as concerned with being funny as it does with delving into anyone's soul. If, by "art film," you simply mean a film a bit more stylized and offbeat than your average summer blockbuster, then I suppose it would qualify.

[Mose]

I just reviewed this one in another thread but wanted to add that I thoroughly enjoyed Garden State. I found it to be a wonderful coming-of-age story. Sometimes tender and sweet, other times laugh out loud funny. I wouldn’t classify it as an art house film, rather a more modern Graduate style film.

Overall 8/10.

[fi wilson]

I've read some really mixed reviews of this, some people hailing Zach Braff as the new Woody Allen and others as immature and self-indulgent. Don't think I'd go to the cinema for it but may get it when it comes out to rent.

[Henry The Kid]

There's no way for me to answer that question unless you define what you mean by the term "art film." To me, the term refers to a film less concerned with entertainment and/or insight, and more concerned with something self-indulgent. Usually some sort of intense character study, or some vague attempt to "tackle" or "confront" some controversial social issue. Style being given precedence over substance (or entertainment) is the most succint definition I can give.

Garden State seems as concerned with being funny as it does with delving into anyone's soul. If, by "art film," you simply mean a film a bit more stylized and offbeat than your average summer blockbuster, then I suppose it would qualify.


Oh. I've never thought of art film as inherently derogatory, but fair enough.

I mean, would any movie really try to be self-indulgent? I think it just comes naturally to a lot of directors I assume you're pin-pointing.

[Aniko]

Garden State was was ok. Since my husband lost both parents within two years of each other...both leavng unresolved issues...this movie was dissapointing on the the score of the father/son relationship. It could have been more powerful if it had dealt more with the father and son relationship. I think how their relationship evolved by the end was thrown together. And the love relationship....I dunno...ehh. I liked the actor but the character could have been deeper...actually the movie could have been deeper instead of pretending to be.

[ash_is_the_gal]

I just rented and watched it the other day. I don't think its trying too hard at ALL. i think its really good. it seems to flow naturally. Natalie Portman and Zach Braff both did really good jobs. the only part that just didn't DO it for me was the same part Yoda mentioned, the talk with his dad. the movie starts out focused on him and HIS family, then you get lead off into a different direction, and when they finally come back to it, that scene was just....eh. i found myself getting distracted.

[Godsend]

Never will there be a movie that lives up to what it did. Every other movie is crap compared to the routes that Garden State took.

Zach Braff had it laid out completely. In many other movies when guy meets girl, guy ****s girl the same night. For anyone who doesn't believe this, please exit this window and never ever resume to use the internet.

The tone that it took in defining his life was amazing. The trips and adventures they took showed the true meaning of friendship. It's not having the same interest in every little single thing, it's just relating...one way or another.

It was also great when Sam and Andrew got intimate that everytime there was a flook, they didn't come back and rejoice with that pathetic little kiss. Instead they hugged. ****, when someones in pain you don't kiss them. <<<just forget I mentioned that.

I'm pretty sure Zach Braff laid this movie out with lots of thought and it delivered, in my mind anyways. It stands next to movies like Fight Club, which said to get out there and do whatever you want. This movie basically said you won't be happy until you're actually happy <<<yes I used happy twice, but it makes sense if you think about it.

[Contender]

This is the kind of movie that gets slammed by some people for being too slow, but that's what I like about it. The pace allows Braff to develop the characters bit by bit. He lets us find out about them by ourselves, instead of just telling you who they are, what they do, etc. It's one of those movies you can love for it's faults and it's triumphs. I give it an A-.

PS: The soundtrack is kickass.

[Darth Stujitzu]

Just watched it again on DVD, and I have to admit, it wasn't as good second time round. It felt a little too sentimental and schmolzy this time, but I remember loving it when I saw it in the cinema.
I think Zach Braff is trying too hard to distance himself from his Scrubs character JD, obviously he doesn't want to be typecasted, but I found some of his scenes a little hard to believe.
IMO it was a brave decision by him, I do like the film, there are some very funny moments, its well acted and the soundtrack is great, and for a first effort he deserves a lot of praise for a bold and thought provoking film.

Rating 4/5.

[dolarhydecb]

Hmm, lets think about this movie being thought provoking. I would have to dissagree with the bulk of reviews on this movie. I felt this movie was tasteless and went no where. Natalie Portman was good, but her acting does not save this movie. The movie went from nothing to nothing. I don't see how a movie like this can entertain anyone. While watching it I cared little about the characters and would have been happy to seen a sad ending, which would have at least gave the movie a genuine theme. However, there was a happy ending, which was much similar to the demise of War of the Worlds. I would have to say that movies meant to be dramatic and say something about life must have the audience care. This movie isn't entertaining either, it is very slow and at points I even had to fast foward. Movies in this genre are genuinely intriguing, but these movies have acceptable endings. As for character development, that didn't happen. The main character was an emotionless brick the whole movie, this may have been due to the lack of any acting skill on behalf of Braff. I'd say, if you like Natalie Portman, and want to see her in one of her more serious roles, check this out, but do not expect this to be a work of art or a movie that serves to teach a lesson. Instead this movie is dull and just imitates someones everyday boring life. I give this a B-.

[squeezyrider]

I thought this film was excellent. Very accomplished IMO for a first timer.

[Darth Stujitzu]

[QUOTE=dolarhydecb]The main character was an emotionless brick the whole movie, this may have been due to the lack of any acting skill on behalf of Braff.



Think you kinda missed the whole point, Zach Braff was an emotionless brick because of his pre-scribed meds, that was the main point, dealing with his life without the meds and being able to feel real emotion again.
Sure this movie is not everyone's cup of tea, but people read different meanings into different things, and perhaps you were expecting Braff to be in some thing more similar to Scrubs. This movie is multi-layered, he is dealing with being off meds, his estranged relationship with his father, the death of his mother, old friends and their lives, and the possability of true love.
Don't get me wrong, there are flaws in this film, but IMO it is a subtle piece of filmaking from a first time director, thankfully he doesn't allow the film to get too melodramatic and the relationship with his father is left ambigious rather than the normal schmolze hollywood fare.
Zach Braff is not the greatest actor, but in general I thought he handled Garden State pretty well, I look forward to see where he goes from here.

[dolarhydecb]

[QUOTE=dolarhydecb]The main character was an emotionless brick the whole movie, this may have been due to the lack of any acting skill on behalf of Braff.



Think you kinda missed the whole point, Zach Braff was an emotionless brick because of his pre-scribed meds, that was the main point, dealing with his life without the meds and being able to feel real emotion again.
Sure this movie is not everyone's cup of tea, but people read different meanings into different things, and perhaps you were expecting Braff to be in some thing more similar to Scrubs. This movie is multi-layered, he is dealing with being off meds, his estranged relationship with his father, the death of his mother, old friends and their lives, and the possability of true love.
Don't get me wrong, there are flaws in this film, but IMO it is a subtle piece of filmaking from a first time director, thankfully he doesn't allow the film to get too melodramatic and the relationship with his father is left ambigious rather than the normal schmolze hollywood fare.
Zach Braff is not the greatest actor, but in general I thought he handled Garden State pretty well, I look forward to see where he goes from here.
Wait wait, I got that he was on drugs from his psychiatrist dad the whole time, and that he got off of them at some point, which was the first time for like 20 years or something. I just thought that it was like blah. I didn't really think his acting transition was really that great either, if it even existed. I also would have liked to see something happen with his father, more family, less of girlfriend thing, which IMO is somewhat unimportant. The movie to me just didn't really go anywhere, didn't really end and was just a big nothingness. I guess to an existentialist this would be kinda cool, but I could not really mold out the movies purpose (Maybe there wasn't one and that's the problem I have) :cool:

[mle]

this movie was great, I loved how different it was. I love the guy from scrubs so I really liked it

[Sexy Celebrity]

I actually rented this on Friday. Wasn't really all that special to me. Very disappointed with the ending.

[MobileHQ]

I thought that it had a couple of laugh out loud moments but equally - I didn't get some of it.

Whather it was because they weren't funny or because I'm not American, I'm not sure...

Ed (MobileHQ)

[Urban Cowboy]

I loved this movie. It is great for what it is, a directorial debut with a young cast. I thought it made some very good points. As far as the characters, I felt something for them. Maybe it's the fact that I, in some ways, am going or are going through some of the same things as them. As far as the movie being entertaining, to each his own. I thought it was funny as hell. I lauged out loud quite a bit. I can understand how some people may not find it as funny as I did. Lord knows that there ar a few movies I haven't found funny which have gotten good reviews, or are well received by fans.

The movie has its flaws. Isn't that to be expected from a first effort? I can't think of a debut that doesn't have some rough edges. Overall, I think the film shows that Braff has some real promiseas a director, maybe not so much as a dramatic actor. It was a good start and I look forward to see what will come next.

[Johnseprish]

I thought this film was very self conscious and too self aware. I suppose if I was 18 and hadn't seen many art films I would have enjoyed it more.

[Uncle Rico]

When I saw the trailer I thought of it as "OO Another film like Eternal Sunshine!" adn i love those type of art films, and in all honesty I feel this movie succeded in the art categorie and every other categorie. It was a great Drama with a wonderfull message which also had great comedy. What more could you ask from a film? I think this movie will always be on my top ten list if not my top 5.

[KasperKristensen]

I was amazed how life affirming this turned out to be. It all seemed really grim and depressing for the first twenty minutes or so. Starting out with an air of indifference in a falling plain, pill bottles, a mother's funeral, old friends that have fallen into or maintained a lifestyle with drugs the whole thing didn't bode well with me -enter Natalie Portman, which did for the movie what she did for Andrew. I really dug the writing, especially the dialogue between Andrew and Sam and even though objectively I could see that some of it was kind of forced, I didn't really mind. Same thing with the plane crash; it's highly unlikely that Andrew would dream something that close to reality (I think it was even the same woman sitting next to him) but I realize why Braff wrote it like that and it still worked for some reason. You think he's going to die a meaningless death like his mother did. It was just one of those freak things.
The scene with the dad was anticlimactic and kind of unrealistic but to me that was a minor thing. I expected something horrible from the grave robbing friend which name eludes me now, but it was immensely satisfying to discover that even though he was kind of messed up he was a good guy beneath it all and that kind of made up for the scene with the dad, I thought.