First time writer and director Braff (who some will recognize from NBC’s Scrubs) plays Andrew Largeman. “Large” (as his hometown buddies call him) is a twenty-six year old who has been walking numbingly through his life as a struggling actor in L.A. He’s been in this fog partially because of the laundry list of pills he takes daily at his father’s (who is also his psychiatrist) request to cope with an accident his mother had when he was very young. Now after ten years of being away from home Large returns to his hometown for his mother’s funeral. During his visit he meets up with some old friends (Sarsgaard among others) and a strange girl (Portman) who introduce him the good and bad parts that he has been missing in his life.

Garden State is better than I imagined. It is not for everyone as it has some dark humor elements (several hilarious ones involving pets) as well as some drug use. But for those with tastes a bit “off” there is a nice sweet treat at the end (I feel sorry for the elderly couple that left the theater about 30 minutes in). Braff and Portman had great chemistry and really made the film enjoyable from all their odd banter. These are two truly unusual characters but they were written and performed to perfection. The “Sam” role was supposedly written with Portman in mind, good choice. I highly recommend this film! It made me feel all warm and fuzzy.

I saw this film at Cinemark’s Tinseltown 17 Theatres on Peach Street in Erie, PA.

(04-0827)