I was very hesitant when seeing this, considering the great praise it's getting, but I found it to be true. Most people are comparing it to The Graduate,which I've never seen. I know it sounds like I'm overpraising, but this movie was life-changing,for me.
The story follows Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff, who also wrote and directed it), a disillusioned twentysomething, living in a state of medicated numbness, trying to make it as an actor in L.A. His main claim to fame is a short bit as a retarded quarterback on a TV series. The best compliment he recieves for this is when one character tells him "I thought you were really retarded!... Wait, you're not, are you?" "Large" is called home after he learns that his mother has died. Once home, he has to face the world that he tried to leave behind (North NJ) and those who he feels he has disappointed.
In many ways, it's a small, personal film, but I found it to be very inspiring and as I said, yes, it did make me look at my life in a new way. All that aside, it's very funny with some great, real dramatic moments. I fell in love with Natalie Portman in this movie. The cinematography is great, and to top it off, the soundtrack is just as beautiful and perfect as the movie.
It's an indie, art-house type deal, so you may have to travel a little bit to find it, but I assure you it's worth it.
**** out of 4.
The story follows Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff, who also wrote and directed it), a disillusioned twentysomething, living in a state of medicated numbness, trying to make it as an actor in L.A. His main claim to fame is a short bit as a retarded quarterback on a TV series. The best compliment he recieves for this is when one character tells him "I thought you were really retarded!... Wait, you're not, are you?" "Large" is called home after he learns that his mother has died. Once home, he has to face the world that he tried to leave behind (North NJ) and those who he feels he has disappointed.
In many ways, it's a small, personal film, but I found it to be very inspiring and as I said, yes, it did make me look at my life in a new way. All that aside, it's very funny with some great, real dramatic moments. I fell in love with Natalie Portman in this movie. The cinematography is great, and to top it off, the soundtrack is just as beautiful and perfect as the movie.
It's an indie, art-house type deal, so you may have to travel a little bit to find it, but I assure you it's worth it.
**** out of 4.
