So awesome and sweet. A must see. I am just waiting for the dvd. Have been listening to the soundtrack and watching the behind the sceens to help the wait.

Actor Zach Braff makes an audacious debut as a filmmaker in this funny, poignant portrayal of a young actor named Andrew Largeman (Braff) whose return from L.A. to New Jersey for a family funeral winds up as a few days of self-discovery thru the haze of his lifelong dependency on anti-depressives administered by his estranged psychiatrist father (Holm) and falling in love with the quirky, epileptic chronic liar Sam (Portman, light years away from Princess Amidala, in arguably her best role to date) while re-connecting with stoner buddy Mark (Sarsgaard, low-key sublimely perfect), a larcenous gravedigger. Witty, heartfelt mix of angst, anomie and ? finally ? acceptance ? of the joys of life amidst death and depression. Has the feel of a novella and echoes of Linklater, Crowe and Nichols (i.e. ?The Graduate?) yet its originality is in its comic dryness and self-depreciative protagonist (Braff, who resembles a pastiche of Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld and Garry Shandling, manages to balance the melancholia with barely restrained misplaced anger beautifully) that also dares to reflect authors such as Salinger and Cheever. Braff has a clever eye with camera angles (thanks to the skillful Lawrence Sher) underscoring moments of subtle nuance in capturing absurdity and beauty all at the same time and lets his co-stars shine with moments of both (Portman?s scene at her backyard pet cemetery will leave you with a lump in your throat and Braff?s embrace with her mom, a tear in your eye). Filmed in Braff?s home state ? a true metaphor (i.e. the out-of-nowhere abyss sequence) ? with familiar touches (the folding chair wedged in the front of Mark?s house) and sprinkled with wonderful music (including the ethereal ?Let Go? by Frou Frou (featured in the trailer and my pick for Trailer of ?04); exquisite and my vote (so far) for the best film of the year. … Expand

Terrific movie...Zach Braff should win this year's Best Actor Oscar hands down, as should Natalie Portman the Supporting Actress trophy. If you give this film a 0, or didn't like it, you're clearly missing "it."

I wish there were like, half points for scores, cuz I feel like 7 is not enough for this one, but 8 might be too much. So let's say I give it a 7.5. This movie was very enjoyable throughout most of the film. Zach Braff's kind of straight faced deadpan reactions were well played. Natalie Portman made me fall even more in love with her. I'm such a geek. I can't help it, even though I know its stupid, I've got a crush on a Hollywood star that I will probably never meet. But anyway, back to the movie. I think I would've liked to have seen more of Ian Holm's character. The only thing I really didn't like about the film was, in the end, it didn't seem like Braff's character really solved his problems. He just kind of said, "Hey Dad, everything's gonna be okay." And somehow that's supposed to be enough for his estranged father. So maybe the ending of the story is what needed the most work. Not that it wasn't a good movie, but I think that would have made it stronger. That will keep it from getting any major award consideration. All the dialogue seemed quite smart and original and real until it got to that third act. Then his character (really only his character and not the others) started speaking a bit melodramatically. All in all it didn't ruin the film for me, and its one of the better ones out there to see. The comedy in the film is wonderful. I guess that's all I have to say. … Expand

I loved this movie. Like some reviewers have commented it is hard to classify it as a drama or comedy forever. But that's the way life is and that seems to be the theme of the movie. Braff is a genuine soul that I think many 20 somethings can relate to and find comfort in. Anyone over the age of 22 will enjoy this movie, if you're still in college go watch Old School and come back once you're sober. Great soundtrack too!… Expand

This is a great, fun, sad, refreshing movie. Go see it!

Natalie portman is wasted in this thoroughly stupid movie. portman, talented and beautiful, always had the tendency to be overly coquettish and cutesy. here, she takes it to extremes; worse, mixed with forced quirkiness, it's irritating as hell. as the for writer-actor-director, it's a case of three strikes and your're out. as an actor, he has a rubbery nondescript face with dumb lips. as a writer, it's below the level of sitcom. as director, he's mostly a copycat of those he admires. the effort shows, but even with the greastest of goodwill, doesn't warrant an A for effort, nor a B, nor a C, for that matter. D+ sounds about right. of course, the actor's dull performance was intentional, but it strikes me as just a lame excuse for having nothing to say or show. he says he's very numb about life, we all need to reconnect with emotional truth, and the way is thru imagination, courage, and love. those three virtues in the movie are represented thru meeting alot of stupid quirky characters and laughing at them. the movie is inspired by harold and maude, a truly eccentric masterpiece. though often ludicrous and outlandish, harold and maude has genuine charm, sincerity of heart, and authentic eccentricity that--blended with cat stevens songs--transformed into poetry. garden state is just a wanna-be movie. it's good to know someone else in this world likes harold and maude, but what was maude's advice to harold? 'go love some more'. go out and live. obviously, the dolt who made this movie needs to stop seeing and making movies about his pointless life and go out and live and love. do whatever but please don't make another movie.… Expand

This is an awesome movie. I think that Zach Braff did a great job writing and directing. Natialie Portman should win an oscor for her stellar performance as the quriky girl-next-door. This movie is filled with heart and laughter. Go see this movie! (oh and the soundtrack is AWESOME!)

Watchable.

Good flick! Can't say I'd see it twice but this was a real cute story with some fine acting by all parties. Braff could easily be misconstrued as keeping the movie a bit slow and such but this creates a genuine pace around a fella doped on lithium for about a decade. I thought the ending was a little rushed and unexciting but then who's attention span coes past 2 hours these days? I will definitely look up the director's cut as I'll just bet that "the left-outs" would make this epic. Would recommend you also see both!! O, and GREAT SOUNDTRACK!!… Expand

My gf made me watch this movie the other day and i was expecting a girly kind of romantic comedy (not knowing any real details of who was directing or the plot) but i can say that it has become one of my favorite movies of all time. A definite recommendation.

Beautiful. . . there are no words. . .

Sorry, but while pulling this production together may have been an admirable task for Braff, he somehow forgot to inject any influence into his direction of the performances of his cast, save Sarsgaard. The film gave me haunting remembrance of '96's "Beautiful Girls" as the hometown boy returns home to encounter and somehow fall for the babblings of Natalie Portman's Marti/Sam character. In the aforementioned turn, Portman was praised for her scene-stealing balance of character to the protagonist's self-realizations. In "State", she comes off as forced and contrived, and honestly, far from believable. Can we really believe that these two characters can simply explode from their shells in the course of a long weekend? As much as I wanted to like this occasionally amusing emo-yarn, and many in the audience seemed thoroughly entertained just by the doggie humor, I knew what I was into when not a peep was heard from neither the cast, nor crowd, when one slacker stated that "Brave New World" was a product of "Aldus Huxtable". Not much depth at all here, folks. … Expand

Every now and then you find a song that hits all the right notes... "Garden State" is the movie equivalent of that wonderful sensation. It will make you laugh hysterically. It will make your heart swell at the measure of its romanticism. It is the kind of film that will make you want to tell those closest to you that you love them dearly. And any film that can do all that is a masterpiece in my book.… Expand

This movie was amazing. I have never liked a romantic comedy, or even anything like one, but this changed my view on "good movies."

The worst movie of the year. Let's see, bad acting, Zach, making the same goofy face throughout the entire movie is not acting. Having a quirky scene every other frame is not moviemaking. Insipid and inane dialogue is not screenwriting. I really don't understand the good reviews. Either people have lowered their standards on what makes a good movie or it's a case of the emperor's new clothes. I give it one star because it's his first film and hopefully his last. Utter rubbish!… Expand

Am I the only one who found these characters rather annoying?

One of the better films of the year. Was never dull, and I almost cried at the end! And I'm a guy... There was REAL chemistry between Zach & Natalie, rare to see in any film. The plot fit together well, and several major surprises made this film work. Some funny moments, like "Balls" and the "Pet Cemetary"... kept the film light, and made you giggle at the human condition. I've wondered all day, could this be based on a real story? It's unique enough to be possible... hum... Anyway, go see it, you won't be disappointed. … Expand

This movie is a great collection of characters, scenes, and ideas. It's quirky, sad, romantic, and at times, bust-the-gut funny. Zach Braff, the director, is at his best when he allows Zach Braff, the actor, to be all 4 in the same scene. Natalie Portman is amazing and cute. This movie made me fall in love with her again (after falling out of love with her in Star Wars). I truely cannot wait for the DVD to come out and I'm even more excited about Zach's next movie and seeing him in a new light in Scrubs.… Expand

What an amazing surprise. I would guess that everyone who enjoyed "Lost in Translation" will love this, and those who hated "Lost" will hate this. it's a subtle film, but very funny, and extremely affecting. I would venture to say that this is the performance of Natalie Portman's career (maybe second to her role "The Professional"). And I've never seen "Scrubs" before, but Braff was amazing in this film. Just go see it. 'Nuff said.… Expand

This movie was absolutly amazing. It is by far one of the best movies i've ever seen. anyone who didn't like it is either too old or too young to relate. if you ever had a shaky relationship with their parents or has left home only to come back will easily enjoy this film.

It was the best movie I have seen since The Royal Tenenbaums.

The best movie ive seen in years. Zach Braff has done an amazing job, can't wait to see him write/direct future movies.

Interminable, incredibly pretentious, and irritating. I agree with Raelene totally on this one. Save for the wonderful soundtrack, the film is entirely dispensible. I can't imagine how people can relate to such pretentious, annoying characters blabber on about solipsism and existentialism for nearly two hours and feel entertained or enlightened by it all. The film only exists for Braff to provide a showcase for his eye-catching camera stunts (which are cheesy and annoying in-and-of themselves) and his favorite songs. I really wish it didn't exist. I have most of the CDs the songs came from anyhow.… Expand

I loved this movie. Zach Braff did a wonderful job writing and directing. I really liked the jokes and obscure things that he added to the movie from his own experiences. It made it more real to see things that might actually happen instead of movies that everyone says and does the perfect thing. Natalie Portman was great at being sweet and original in this part. Garden State kept me smiling. I did get emotional in some parts but was soon rescued by the perfect comedic timing. I think Garden State should be nominated for an Oscar. Its better than Lost in Translation. Zach Braff keep writing and I look forward to your next masterpiece.… Expand

This movie has serious problems: first, it's a cheap knockoff of The Graduate (nothing new to say), second it's a narcissistic turn by full-of-himself Zach Braff, third it commits the cardinal sin of using allegedly "cool" music to manipulate audience emotions (at least The Graduate had an original song composed for the film -- Mrs. Robinson). Some of the scenes are truly cringe-inducing (just about all of the stuff between Braff and Portman) in their cutesy cuteness. The ending is worthy of the most formulaic, mass-audience Hollywood climax. In other words: lame. Braff should step away from the scriptwriter's desk and the director's chair and leave this end of things to the pros.… Expand

This is the best movie i have seen all year. bob you are freaken crazy! if you havnt seen this movie i urge you to rent it!

Forced, and formulaic! Finally I was able to see what al lthe fuss was about, and boiy is it a let down. I cannot see why people are so moved by this film. Give me a break, people do not change over night, these charicturess coast on cutsie-ness alone, devode of any real emotions. Admirable first attempt, but misses the mark completely. I would like to see what Braff does next, hopefully he will avoid the overused Sundance cliche's.… Expand

I just never felt the emotional impact i was suppose to feel, starts off quite funny then i just got bored I'm sorry to say. I had heard rumors that it was like Harold and Maude and The Graduate, these things excitied me, and I was very disappointed.There certainly is some talent here though, I'm interested into seeing what Zach Braff will do next at the directors chair. Who knows maybe I'll catch in on tv a few years from now and change my mind, we'll see, until then I'm giving it a 6.… Expand

While this movie shows a negative side to anti-depressants, it glorified the use of extacy, pot, etc... Going to prescription drugs to illegal drugs does not help one's life improve. Despite that, I did like the movie and would have given it an 8 if they did not glorify illegal drugs.

Finally something new and creative for the average joe. This film really works but I would like it to have gone on for a bit longer. Perhaps budgetary issues were in the way I don't know, but I loved what I saw.

Well done ....really nice stuff.

Loved it! Don't care what failings it may have, if think it is easy to be over critical - this film left me feeling wonderful, made me cry, made me laugh, and the music is still with me - how can I not give it 10!! Zach Braff is just amazing, Scubs is amazing also, and Portman made me feel like I was 16 again - hormones rushing all over the place!!! Wonderful wonderful wonderful!

Great!

Despite the unexpected turns and the overall stop and go feel, Zach Braff has managed to produce an amazing film for his directing debut. The eccentricities of his characters and the mundane, everyday events occuring throughout the film only accent the beautiful technique Braff has used to portray a heart-moving tale in an every-day setting. Natalie Portman is amazing, using her experience to fully capture the free-lance and somewhat goofy tendencies of her character. Peter Sarsgaard is no dissapointment, bringing to the table a realism that embraces the overall context of the film. I was excited when I saw the teaser trailer for the first time. And now, as ever, I'm both enthralled and touched every time I see this film. Kudos to Zach.… Expand

The reality of this movie was the gretest thing to me. Braff used a sort of bizarre yet very real situation to change the life of his character. The simplicity of the movie was what I really enjoyed and it had an underwritten sort of comedy to it that made it hilarious.

Wicked Awesome.

I think this movie has everything a movie needs to be great! It is hilarious at times, sad at times, and it can bring you to reality as well. A Great movie in my opinion!

Deep and moving.

So far the 2nd best film of the year for me...behind Eternal Sunshine. Great debut for Braff. Good stuff.

One of the best indie films so far this year. Zach did a tremendous job with the film. The film was enjoyable. A touching and funny movie, without being cute. Some scenes were very creative, and absolutely hilarious. It will be interesting to see how he follows up. Zach has set a high bar for himself.

One of the best indie films I've seen in a long time. I was expecting it to be obscure and too out-there, well it was pretty out-there, but it was also one of the funniest and most clever films I've seen all year. Zach Braff does such an extraordinary job with his film debut, I started watching Scrubs a week after viewing this. Although the film is mostly funny, it does pack some emotional punch towards the end when Braff finally confronts his father (played by the brilliant British actor Ian Holm) about him blaming Braff's mother's death on him. Overall, it's kind of a film about re-uniting with your childhood friends and family. Natalie Portman gives a fantastic performance along with Braff, Holm and Peter Sarsgaard (Shattered Glass - for which he received a Golden Globe nomination). I'd like to see Garden State get nominated for some Golden Globes and maybe some Oscars. I'd recommend it to everyone, it's not a waste of money at all!… Expand

This movie was a long time coming.. I have been waiting a long time for a movie to captivate me like this one did. I went to see it with my boyfriend and I think we came out better people as cliché as it sounds. the soundtrack is also awesome.

A full 8 not a 7.5 as other friends of mine have suggested. I really believe this is the best movie I have seen this year. From hearing from other sources this is rated #2 behind dogville. I really hope Zach Braff gets an oscar nod for origal screenplay or something because i think he deserves to be nominated at least, maybe not a win as of yet but a nomination none the less. Natalie Portman while a good performance is far from Oscar quality. Overall the movies comedy was crisp and clever. Never a joke falling flat. Braff's demenor is the perfect offbeat quality that lots of new age directors strive for and fall on their faces. Braff does a great job in his directoral debut. Bravo. … Expand

It has it's moments of clever dialogue, but the movie isn't anything really special. When we're first introduced to the Sam character (Natalie Portman), she just about steals those scenes, and I thought this would definitely be an Oscar-nominated performance. However, as the film continues on, her performance becomes too forced and over-the-top. It was a role similar to Ellen Pompeo's in "Moonlight Mile", and Pompeo was far better. … Expand

Is it just me or are critics out to hate every movie put out? I really enjoyed this movie. It was very funny at parts, and very moving in others. I loved the whole style of it and the use of music. It's been a while sense I've felt so joyful after a movie. God forbid anyone make a movie about people finding hapiness...maybe we should all just watch fahrenheit9/11 24/7.

Beautiful photography, a fine supporting cast, and an excellent soundtrack are not enough to lift this lump off the ground. Most of the movie is tolerable but the ending really feels like the series finale to a sitcom you never got into. In essence, the story is common enough (a 20-something man on a journey to find meaning in his life), but in an effort to separate this film from the pack, it's cluttered with quirks. Quirks aren't so bad, but quirks that don't contribute to the story are just speed bumps (a masturbating dog?!). They end up making the film feel like a Todd Phillips movie without the comedians. I'm hoping that these problems are just an effect of a first time filmmaker. I'm crossing my fingers that Mr. Braff will have matured by the time he begins his next movie.… Expand

Garden State was truly an amazing movie.

Easily one of the best movies I have seen this year. The writing and the directing are both excellent. It is very easy to connect will the characters. A truly beautiful film about finding ones self. a must see.

Surprisingly good!

Introspective without indulging narcissism, dramatic without degenerating into melodrama, comedic but not silly. A moving film with depth that cynical reviewers miss.

Not a Great Movie, but nonetheless an effective one that uses the sticking power of individual scenes and shots (as well as a great soundtrack) to creep up on the viewer. Braff has difficulty with the lead role but the supporting characters are strong. Overall, rather cliche but surprisingly memorable and certainly worth an outing.

Boring and stupid. Would be nothing without the soundtrack and Natalie Portman-hype (she's terrible). I think most people WANT to like this movie or have been told that they like this movie. Neither is actually the case. Stay far away.

Great flick.

A brilliant little film. Natalie Portman is fabuluos. A must see film for intelligent audiences!

Duh! Those who think that the movie is pretentious are missing the point - it is! This is what being a twixter is all about - nothing. We don't have to do anything but think about ourselves. Ultimately we are all just trying to find a 'home' - where we can feel settled.

This movie is really bad!!! stay away from it!

Thought it was the best film i had ever seen the first time i saw it around, but then i watched it again and it wasnt as good. I was so caught up in the quirky and original characters, setting and photography that i didnt fully follow the plot, which turns out is not as original as i thought, and conceited because it is semi-autobiographical. Hilariously funny at times, original and overall a superb film, but dont watch it twice.… Expand

Garden State was a highly original and spellbinding laugh-fest. I loved how emotionless the main character was yet how his surroundings still retained a sense of humor. By far my favorite comedy this year. A must see!

I have to agree with the negative reviews. Trite, annoying, boring. Avoid!

Boring...

If you want to see a whole buch of self important posing, rent this. writen, directed, stared in, and apparently edited by... zach braff. to make it more interesting, everytime you see nat portman, think "felicity". did not make it to the end.

A very good time. A nice, honest movie, if somewhat overdone. When reporting on big, real life feelings, sometimes you have to do it in caricature. Good Stuff!

I liked this movie a lot, I really felt good when I left the theatre, but I guess I can see how it wouldn't appeal to everyone, it's very real and not everyone likes that sort of thing, some people prefer big-time Hollywood excitement.

This movie was amazing. i related to all the characters, cried a couple of times, laughed a couple of times, and left feeling like i knew myself better than i did when i went in.

Anyone in their twenties need's to see this film. Its a very good, well acted depiction of the journey of growing into life. I loved it, and if this is Zach Braff's first turn as a director, then I can't wait for his next film.

I was an awesome movie and I am only in high school but I could relate some of the problems that Zach Braff's character, Large, had in the movie to some problems that are happening in my family right now.

Original???? More like CRAPPY!!! Braff tries way too hard to look cool. BARF.

Quirky, appealing script and characters, with good performances by Portman & Sarsgaard. It's not completely convincing, but the boat house at the bottom of the large hole is a great touch.

I love this film! I'm currently producing a film called "Twixter",which stars Michael Cotter from Scrubs and he loves this movie as well. I think it is well made and directed. Great DP! Check out twixtermovie!

Yeah I loved this movie but mainly because of Natalie Portman whose absolutely gorgeuos to the highest degree.

Heart warming and original. I'd have given it a 10 but I felt the ending was a little rushed. It is realistic and full of great acting and warm characters. The centre character, 'Large', is naturally sad since his mother died and carries much guilt and sadness from his childhood, which is what makes the other characters' positive effect on him so touching. You really feel like you are in this guys head! I look forward to more films from this guy. The way he falls in love with Natalie Portman's character as he listens to 'New Slang' by the Shins is genious. Or was that me falling in love with her character?! If you like films like Magnolia and Donnie Darko, and appreciate good music, then don't miss this one. And take no notice of the people that have rated this film with a '0' - I'm sure you can imagine what type of mainstream films they indulge in Enjoy!… Expand

The photography is great -- and then that's it. This film made me throw-up in my mouth a little bit. Braff plays a thinly-veiled version of himself as a yong man -- misunderstood and emotionally hobbled by his parents, surrounded in his home town by idiots and philistines, and stuck in a going-nowhere waiter job when all he really wants to do is make intersting movies. Over the course of the film Braff breaks free from these emotional shackles and learns how to, yes FEEL, finally coming to realize what we (he) knew all along: yes, I AM a brilliant, sympathetic, and truly unique human being. The cliches in the film come fast and furious. Imagine Braff and Portman standing in the rain and screaming into an abyss -- into a LITERAL abyss. Or Portman prefacing an oh-so-obvious indie-pop single by The Shins with the phrase, "It will change your life." (Imagine the IPod of a stoned liberal arts college student on shuffle and youll easily guess the majority of the film's soundtrack.) Navel-gazing, narcissistic, self-involved -- I could go on. I have been bored by movies, I have been offended by movies, I have found movies stupid, but rarely do I truly hate a film. I HATED this film.… Expand

One of the most amazing movies i have ever seen. The way that the main character is portraited throughout the movie is a feeling that we can all relate to. A feeling that we should give up hope, or that we are not understood. The movie had a great take on awkwardness, love, hate, and insite. Zach Braff discovers himself at the end of the movie, and sees a world that he hadnt thought existed since the beginning of his adolescence.… Expand

This is the worst film in the last 100 years.

Probably my favorite movie to date. I can watch it over and over again. The acting is incredible and the story is real and moving. I can't imagine how anyone could not like this movie!!

One of the best films in years.

This movie was unbelievable...it was amazing! Zach Braff is a genius. I never thought I could love a movie that was just about life this much! It's incredible. You have to see it.

GREAT MOVIE.

This movie was awful! It doesn't know if it want's to be a wry comedy or a moving drama and it ends up being neither. Filled with pretension and self-absorbtion without the talent to back it up.

This movie starts a tad slow and ends with sentimentality of the nth degree, but nearly all the scenes in between are by turns haunting and beautiful. Braff has a gift for conveying a sense of melancholy and loneliness that floats ethereally throughout this film, stuff that elevates this movie past most other dramas of this genre. The movie fails towards the end when it veers wildly into melodrama, but the strong acting performances definitely make this movie a winner. Natalie Portman's acting is absolutely terrific in my opinion, as good as, if not better, than her role in Beautiful Girls.… Expand

We enjoyed this comedy/tragedy immensely! We're seniors, yet the "growing up at any age" message remains universal to people everywhere. Congratulations to Zach Braff (who looks like a young Ray Romano to us), Natalie Portman (cute, funny and sweetly serious and 1,000 % better than her stiff role in "Star Wars" a few years ago), Peter Saarsgard (whose last role in "Shattered Glass" was phenomenal) and Ian Holm (who aced that New York accent although he's British through and through... and turning 73 years old on Sept. 12, 2004 to boot!) I'll be looking forward to Zach Braff's next movie. I give it an "A" on my Entertainment Report Card. … Expand

A great movie. Ingeniously done and excellent acting and character development

I don't really know what to say about this movie. It was enjoyable but had many, many inconsistencies and flaws. The script was decent, it had good direction, many of the shots were moving, the soundtrack was good, but by the end of the movie (to me) none of these elements really stood out. It almost angered me, because this movie had the possibilty to be so much better than it was. Many of the people on this site have commented that there are too much unnecessary scenes and that the movie relies fully on quirkyness in order to be humorous and original. I couldn't agree more. It got very old after Largeman had been caught off guard by some person from his past as the guy who played a retarded quarterback for the fifth time. The ending was solely a mish mash of seemingly meaningful and emotional scenes meant to be seen as a solution, yet for me it was a big "Wahhhhh? Come ooooonnn," moment. Yah, you know what I mean. If you for one moment, even thought about crying while watching the ending... then I feel sorry for you. This movie isn't horrible by any means, but honestly... I had more fun watching Aliens Vs. Predator. Go see it though (Garden State). You'll find something to like about it.… Expand

This was an incredible film. It was very real and pure- characteristics rarely found in current feature films. It may have lacked big stunts and impressive scenery but it made up for it in the quality of the script, acting, actors, chemistry, and under-appreciated drama, humor and love.

Fantastic reality.

Excellent movie! Easily the best movie of 2004, only to be rivaled by Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Excellent coming of age movie with a great script and brilliant performance by Portman. Production values, especially the sound, could have been better.

An amazing movie! Leaves you feeling numb... in a good way.

Simply the funniest, most heartfelt and meaningful movies ever made. Oen of the best movies ever made.

Really surprised me. I expected it to be good, but I was really blown away. It stands alongside Donnie Darko (and thematically, it's not dissimilar) as one of my favourites films. I very much recommend it.

It's so beautiful. Everyone grows up and you can relate to the feeling of finding yourself. All of us have to do it, and Mr. Braff did a flawless job.

The music rocks. Otherwise, it's navel gazing and tedious. A wannabe Graduate, without having anything interesting or original to say.

Good, creative film-making.

I absolutely LOVED this movie. It's ingenious. It could not get any better. Natalie Portman and Zach Braff gets 2 giant thumbs up!

I dont know what it is about this movie, but the slow pacing and Braff's acting just seem to drag the movie down. Now, don't get me wrong...I enjoy independent films as much as the next guy, but this film just felt so tedious to get through. I honestly love Braff and Portman in their other projects (Scrubs and Star Wars, respectively) but I felt like there was just some chemistry missing here. I'm sad to say that I can't recommend this movie.… Expand

Garden State is a great movie. Natalie Portman rocks! This movie is perfect for the sociology student. Don't miss it. It's one of Natalie Portman's best movies.

A great movie, I recommend this to almost anyone. Zach does a good job and so does Natalie. The movie introduced me to great music and I hold it in high regard for that and the fact that it's a great film all around.