Garden State

I recently saw a movie called Garden State. It is written, directed and starred in by Zach Braff. It is his first flick as a writer and director, but you would never guess it. This film is one of the best films I have seen in a long time. With releases of films such as “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” and “Alien vs. Predator” nationwide, it is sad to see “Garden State” released limitedly (released in only a couple hundred theaters nationwide), but such is the fast-cash marketing schemes of Hollywood. Because of Garden State’s success, it is being released nationwide on August 20th.

Garden State has a lot to say about love, relationships, but most of all, life. The way in which Braff chooses to show us this story is incredibly funny and profoundly beautiful. As me and Heather sat in the theater watching the final seconds of the film, the auditorium erupted in applause. Now, normally I hate when people clap at the end of movies. It always seems so fake and undeserved. But this was different. I had goosebumps on my entire body and emotionally I was paralyzed. I didn’t know whether to cry or jump up and down. I sat in the applause-filled theater with a huge smile on my face, not wanting to get up. Me and Heather just turned to each other and said in awe: “wow.” Zach Braff’s genesis of writing and directing was absolutely amazing. I can’t wait to see more from Braff.

If you have seen this film, post your thoughts on it. If you havn’t seen it, go see it now, then post your thoughts here.