After the Puzzle Party on Monday, we drove over to Brier Creek and saw Garden State. This is Zach Braff’s new movie (he stars in “Scrubs”), which he wrote, directed, and starred in. I have to say, I thought it was a genuinely outstanding and convincing movie. It’s frustrating the way Braff underplays his role early in the movie, then you learn that there’s a very good reason for it.

This isn’t one of those epic, globe- and time-spanning stories, this is an almost-claustrophobic view into a few days of one man’s life, and that takes some getting used to after some of the summer blockbusters drek I’ve seen lately. I can’t say it had quite the resonance for me that kittylad found in it, but at the same time I can see why he would feel that way. I left feeling like I had seen an excellent story played out by excellent actors who immersed themselves in their roles. Braff, Peter Sarsgaard, and Natalie Portman (!) all were fabulous. I need that soundtrack, too.

You really should see this movie. Interestingly, a lot of other people feel the same way. Wow. That’s pretty damn cool.

Incidentally, be sure to check out Zach Braff’s weblog -fun stuff!