Garden State
Writer/director/actor Braff (better known as the star of the NBC sitcom Scrubs) delivers a very solid first effort filled with vibrant characters and genuinely funny and touching moments. Braff also turns in a strong performance in the lead role of Andrew Largeman, a moderately successful actor coming back to reality from a 15-year, medicated fog induced by his oppressive, psychiatrist father (Holm). But it's Portman who emerges as the film's true heart and soul, turning in a very charming, Audrey Hepburn-like performance as a pathological liar who turns out to be the most honest thing in Largeman's life. The movie isn't particularly Jerseyish (it could have taken place anywhere really), and its unnecessary clichéd Hollywood conclusion belies the rest of the film's quirky independence. Still, these are minor distractions from what is an otherwise very effective comedy/drama about healing and self-forgiveness.