This was a really entertaining film ? I was recommended this one for review, and am glad I didn?t resist taking it on. This is a 2004 film, 98 minutes in length, and is a fresh, original approach to the ongoing tale of woe that is modern, displaced youth - 00?s style. It?s cult-cool, with an intelligent script and edgy, engaging characters. The lead actor and (anti) hero of the piece, Zach Braff, seemingly appears out of nowhere to star, write and direct this surprisingly effective tragi-comedy. I presume this is a first-time outing for Braff in such a daunting triple role, but he?s totally on top of his game, and has given himself a hard act to follow. I don?t imagine he?s going to disappear back into the ether from which he appeared! It?d be a shame if he did. Braff dishes up a tight, cohesive and poignant film, and I?d certainly want to keep an eye out for anything else he does. In some ways, Braff reminds me of the talented writer/director/actor, Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy etc). There?s a definite similarity there. Their method of character development aims for the same effect, I think. This DVD comes highly recommended.

The overall story unfolds thus: Aspiring LA-based actor Andrew ?Large? Largeman (Braff) reluctantly returns to his hometown in New Jersey when a family tragedy demands his presence. His emotionally fractured relationship with his father, Gideon (Holm) is a definite sticking-point, and catching up with his old school friends adds another level of disillusionment to Large?s already distant persona. His only ally, and even this bond seems tenuous at times, is his friend Mark (Sarsgaard) who is a grave-digger at the local cemetery. On the verge of returning to LA alone, he meets local girl Sam (Portman) whose innocent charm seems to draw him out of himself, and enables him to emotionally connect with his life again.

THE EXTRAS

There are more than just basic extras. In addition to scene select, there are dubbed language options in Spanish and Portuguese. As for subtitles, there is a range of choice ? English (Hearing Impaired), French, Swedish, Norwegian, Spanish, Finnish, Danish, Portuguese, Dutch and Icelandic. Not too shabby, although certainly favouring Europe?s West coast countries!

Also offered are the following:

Commentaries

Deleted Scenes

Making of ?Garden State?

Outtakes

CONCLUSION

If you?re a fan of quirky, original cinema, you have to watch this 2004 tragi-comedy, made an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival. Zach Braff stars, writes and directs this absorbing tale of an emotionally numb guy who sorely needs to be welcomed back into the land of the living. A visit home and a chance encounter with a strange young girl sets in motion a chain of events that will alter the course of his life. Starring Ian Holm, Natalie Portman and Peter Sarsgaard, this is a really good film, with an interesting soundtrack made more striking in DD 5.1 surround. I hope I see more of Braff as writer/director if this is anything to go by! More than basic extras are offered as well. Highly recommended.