Garden State-DVD

Garden State (2004), Dir. Zach Braff

For a hipster film, I must say I approve. I look forward to more Braff films in the future. His wittiness, sense of exaggerated reality, and keen visual style make this film infinitely more palatable than its kin.

Garden State gives us a look at a Generation X loner in a homecoming to a town he left behind so long ago, he seems to need to rediscover it. Throw in a comulsive liar love interest, and you have a quirky hipster film. Braff keeps it understated, though, and seems to prefer to make his points visually and let you connect the dots at your own pace. He does, however, occasionally err on the side of overcompensation. He needs to give his audience a little more credit in figuring out the small stuff rather than holding their hands through it. Besides, it's often not that important to the overall story anyway.

Regardless, this film is one that is smart AND easy to watch. Even the MTV generation can pay attention to this. Maybe they'll even learn something. But I wouldn't bet on it.