A couple of years ago, I tuned in to watch a new series called “Scrubs.” I really didn’t expect much from it, but the promos made it look like it might be fairly funny. I was rather surprised while watching the first few episodes that is wasn’t just funny, it was downright hysterical. It was one of the most creatively inventive shows n the air at that time. I say this only as an introduction to actor Zach Braff, who stars as J.D. Dorian in the series. As good as the rest of the cast is, he remains the show’s central character around which everything else revolves. I honestly had no idea that he had talents beyond acting. I was intrigued when I first heard about the film, “Garden State”, not just because is starred Braff and Natalie Portman, but because he also wrote and directed it. Being such a relative newcomer to the entertainment biz, it was interesting that he took on such a big project.

As the film started gaining popularity, my curiosity grew yet I still didn’t make it out to the theatre to catch it (there are just so few films I venture out to the theatre to see nowadays). I was content to wait until the DVD release to see for myself whether or not it would live up to the hype.

“Garden State”, was being touted as one of those ‘you can’t go home again’ kind of films and told the story of Andrew Largeman (Braff), a wannabe actor. As his ‘career’ leans more towards waiting on tables than waiting for that breakthrough role, he becomes detached and lives a somewhat colorless, prescription drug-addled existence. When he learns that his mother has passed away, he opts to get off the drugs and head home and try and pick up the pieces of his old life.

What could have been a run of the mill formulaic type of film, is instead offers an eccentric tale that hits all the right notes. It moves a little slow, but the creative storyline, which is elevated by some fine performances, keeps it from ever bogging down. Braff shows a sure hand, both as a writer and director, while juggling the unenviable task of portraying the film’s protagonist. Ian Holm also stars as Andrew’s father, and if you’re at all familiar with this actor’s body of work, you’ll know that he his never less than great, even in a smaller role like this. Andrew also hooks up with his old friend Mark, who is played by Peter Sarsgaard. Again, we have another fine (though underrated) actor who nearly steals the entire film with his performance.

Oddly enough, the weakest link in the chain comes in the form of Natalie Portman. I’ve always considered her to be an excellent actress, starting years ago when she starred in “Leon, the Professional.” From that point, I’ve enjoyed everything she has worked on. It wasn’t until the first two parts of the new “Star Wars” Trilogy, that I saw her give what I consider to be a wooden performance. Fortunately, in “Garden State”, she is much better, but her character seems a little forced. She’s not bad by any means in the film, but those around her are noticeably better.

Fox is releasing the film this week on DVD, and I’ll say it is certainly worth a look. Along with the main feature, there are some above average extras. There are two full commentaries, the first one delivered by Braff and Portman and it offers a very relaxed conversational look at the film. Most of the focus is on Braff’s inexperience as a director, and it is very enlightening. The second commentary features Braff again, but this time he is joined by cinematographer Lawrence Sher, editor Myron Kerstein and production designer Judy Becker. As you might expect, this commentary covers more of the technical aspects of making the film, but it is no less entertaining to hear.

You’ll also find several deleted scenes, with optional commentary by the gang from the second feature commentary. There is also a “Making of…” featurette that fortunately ran much longer than expected and got quite a bit into the background of the film. Finally, there is a set of hysterical bloopers and one of my favorite features on the disc.

“Garden State” turned out to live to live up to its hype in a big way. It offers definitive proof that Braff has the chops to deliver a film that is as entertaining as it is enlightening, and I will definitely be on the lookout for any upcoming projects that his name is attached to.

Directed by: Zach Braff
Starring: Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard. Ian Holm, Method Man
Extras: Audio Commentaries by Writer/Director/Actor Zach Braff, Natalie Portman and Filmmakers, Outtakes and Bloopers, 16 Deleted Scenes, “Making Of” Featurette
Specifications: Widescreen (2.35:1) Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: 12/28/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (For Language, Drug Use and a Scene of Sexuality)
Website

We'll give Garden State a B-.