Garden State

Although this review is long coming....I could think of no better review to be my first, than Garden State.
Garden State is one of the funniest and touching movies I've seen in a long time. It clearly shows our society as the "quick fix - drug me up" people we are. Although this might offer the quick fix for one problem, it brings on many new complications.
For one to be desensitized of our problems, we then become numb to the joys that come into our life - big or small - and end up with nothing at all. One of my favorite scenes that really show how vacantly Large was living his life prior to his visit home, was the airport bathroom scene. We have all seen the taps in these places, with the motion sensors that trigger their grudging release of H2O. Usually these stubborn appliances, show a lack of sensitivity, but when Largeman walks past them, all of the taps spew water with ease, implying that these metal, lifeless taps are more sensitive to their surroundings than Large himself.
Braff does a great job at the reins of writing, directing, and staring in the film; you can't help but feel sad for Large and want nothing more than for him to ultimately find content to his life. Natalie Portman makes us all see life in a more positive light, and changes our views along with Large's. Peter Sarsgaard is enjoyable as the friend we all have....one we can always go back home to.
This is definitely a good movie for any 20-somethings who don't know where they're going, and feel like they are just walking around aimlessly. It gives us hope that we can all find our way to happiness and true feelings (the rough and the wonderful), if we just pay attention to and have some appreciation for the moments we're in.