Garden State Quick Movie Reviews

Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 06/06/2019

In addition to a monotonous script, there's not a single bearable or fully developed character in the whole movie.

Camper - wrote on 08/06/2014

Depending on who you are and what sort of state you're in when you watch this movie, it can either seem completely average or slightly life changing, If you're already sad it might make you sadder, and then more sad and then sort of happy and then sad again. The beginning scenes perfectly capture the feeling of severe numbness and depression. It was honest and beautiful, even when it wasn't.

mitchellyoung - wrote on 05/30/2012

Garden State is a very funny and sweet indie comedy with an inspiring message about taking risks. The cast disappears into their roles completely and creates a film with so many unique visual and audio moments. First time director Braff manages to craft a comedy that works on a humor level, as well as on a human level. One of my alltime favorites.

Unknown - wrote on 12/14/2011

Quirky independent comedy who's message gets lost in it's ambition to be different.

Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/18/2011

The first time director in my opinion did a decent job with the posh cinematography, hip musical background and terrific casting of Natalie Portman. Its only qualm I had was the ending and the script. Characters were likable but lack the impact and better character build-up it deserves. Some scenes were iffy and the whole point was just too plain. Entertaining in the beginning and middle but falters in the end. A few tweaks and this would have been good.

PsychoKing1227 - wrote on 08/20/2009

This movie changed my life. I can honestly say that.

The Movie Man - wrote on 05/23/2009

Garden State is an Interesting Directorial debut from Actor-Writer-Director Zach Braff, the sad thing is, it's a let down. Here we have an Original idea that offers Good detail. The problem however, is that for most of the film, the characters do not accomplish anything except for, doing drugs. Zach Braff is good in the lead, but is out-done by Natalie Portman and Peter Sarsgard, who are simply terrific. The films music is also good. Zach Braffs direction is just 'okay' and the writing is decent. It's sad to see a film with such hope, turn out to be so disappointing.

Ollievee79 - wrote on 08/18/2008

I love everything about this movie. It is without a doubt the best thing Zach Braff has ever done. The first minute of this movie sets the tone for the entire movie. I knew within the first five minutes, I would love it. It doesn't have any thrills or gimics. It is just a simple human interest story with very unique characters. I think anyone who watches this movie can find at least one character that they can relate to. I knew I would like this movie going into it, but what I wasn't expecting was it's subtle and real humor. This movie has a lot of heart and it's somber mood makes it the perfect movie to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon. PS. The soundtrack kicks ass too.

Ghost Seed - wrote on 08/01/2008

Charming, rich, and relevant. From the moment I first saw the trailer I knew this was a winner. Zach Braff not only shows his remarkable eye with this film - just about every shot is a real beauty, but also his solid taste in music which is utilized to the fullest. Perfect casting here as well. Chameleons Sarsgaard and Portman (the best young actress working) both play likable, interesting characters. And the three of them on screen together during their little adventure is a pleasure. Clever, subtly comedic writing with a deep relatable subject at heart.

frenchfreyteetor - wrote on 11/25/2007

My husband is a Zach Braff fan so we watched this movie. It wasn't horrible but I wasn't impressed. I thought is was a bit of a strange movie.