Little Tony DeFranco
09-07-2004, 10:29 AM
Review: Garden State http://www.browntownjohnny.com/index.php
A coming of age independent movie for the Prozac Nation, Zach Braff's "Garden State" is funny and likeable. An updated "Diner" type 'hangin out' movie, a Jersey actor in LA who heads home for his mother's funeral for a couple of days. Andrew Largeman ('Scrubs' guy Braff wrote and directed as well as starred) is the son of a noted psychiatrist, Gideon (Brit Sir Ian Holm-you know him as Bilbo Baggins) hasn't seen Andrew in a very long time. Now at the age of 26, he has left a bathroom full of pills to come to South Orange to confront his past. He falls in love with a tender young nymph named Sam (Natalie Portman is so cute in her undies) and makes peace with himself. Simple story with good vibes.
Reminded me of the South Jersey film "Walking the Waterline" by actor Matt Mulhern (Major Dad) and it's much more a classic 70's style head-trip than a straight story. The supporting players are funny and pathetic, including best pal Mark (Peter Sarsgaard) the gravedigger stoner. They do drugs, party with a rich guy who discovered 'silent velcro', and go on a scavenger hunt for a present in a junkyard. Mark has a disturbing way of making money by graverobbing and scamming the hardware store newbies.
I will recommend this one because it has a funny style and likeable actors, along with a totally bitchin soundtrack of eclectic rock songs. Braff has talent and it's a great 'Jersey' movie (move over K.Smith). Jean Smart pops in as a trailer trash mom and Ron Liebman as a kindly doctor get the best parts. The only setback is that there are no huge laughs and it is predictable to the end. Enjoy.
Heartbeat is a Love Beat
A coming of age independent movie for the Prozac Nation, Zach Braff's "Garden State" is funny and likeable. An updated "Diner" type 'hangin out' movie, a Jersey actor in LA who heads home for his mother's funeral for a couple of days. Andrew Largeman ('Scrubs' guy Braff wrote and directed as well as starred) is the son of a noted psychiatrist, Gideon (Brit Sir Ian Holm-you know him as Bilbo Baggins) hasn't seen Andrew in a very long time. Now at the age of 26, he has left a bathroom full of pills to come to South Orange to confront his past. He falls in love with a tender young nymph named Sam (Natalie Portman is so cute in her undies) and makes peace with himself. Simple story with good vibes.
Reminded me of the South Jersey film "Walking the Waterline" by actor Matt Mulhern (Major Dad) and it's much more a classic 70's style head-trip than a straight story. The supporting players are funny and pathetic, including best pal Mark (Peter Sarsgaard) the gravedigger stoner. They do drugs, party with a rich guy who discovered 'silent velcro', and go on a scavenger hunt for a present in a junkyard. Mark has a disturbing way of making money by graverobbing and scamming the hardware store newbies.
I will recommend this one because it has a funny style and likeable actors, along with a totally bitchin soundtrack of eclectic rock songs. Braff has talent and it's a great 'Jersey' movie (move over K.Smith). Jean Smart pops in as a trailer trash mom and Ron Liebman as a kindly doctor get the best parts. The only setback is that there are no huge laughs and it is predictable to the end. Enjoy.
Heartbeat is a Love Beat