Garden State (DVD Review)

"Good luck exploring the infinite abyss"

wow. i was really impressed by this flick. it's by no means perfect. occassionally it's too quirky for its own good. and some of the early drug scenes strike a false note. but this is zach braff's first feature. and he was about 28 when he wrote, directed and starred in it. we're not talking orson welles. but it is nice to see a young man be obsessed about characters and emotions, rather than guns and knives. and along with Closer, he's helped get back that early promise of natalie portman's exquisite talent almost lost with george lucas. what a smile. the use of music is inspired, but never obtrusive (esp. The Shins) and the scene over the chasm that the film builds to is moving without being overwhelming. oh, and the dog humpin' scene while cliched, is kinda funny. and the WW2 sidecar motorbike is cool. and ian holm shows the younglings how it's done in just two scenes. and isn't Peter Sarsgard a talent? i haven't really seen him in anything before, but he's a talent to keep your eye out on. the extras are ok, without being anything special. i didn't listen to either commentary as the reviews had not been sparkling (and there's only so many hours in the day), the making of was ok (a video diary with the highlight being the interview with the craft services dude - they don't get the recognition they deserve) and the deleted scenes good (ian holm's other scene being the standout). this is a little gem.