But I have little doubt that, once it finds an audience, it will be remembered for years to come. The entire scene where Sam and Andrew talk in his friend's pool has some great shots, and Braff's comedic flair and timing are evident in his directing style, which still manages to pull back for the more dramatic and poignant moments. However, there are moments of absolutely beauty as well, here. I'm also not completely sure what to make of the movie's ending, which I won't go into further except to say that I felt it almost changed the focus of the movie up to that point and made it about something else. It just tossed me out of the movie a bit. I'm still not sure I like one scene the main characters are screaming into a deep ravine and the camera sweeps away into said ravine. As for his directing, there are a few odd choices. The dialogue is witty, plot situations intelligent and creative, and overall the writing is just-good.

Braff is able to weave both together-a difficult task for a young writer. Too often, the big Hollywood movies will have a plot that resolves itself, but means nothing on the flip side, independent movies almost seem to disdain plot for mood and thematic concerns.

What amazes me is the work he has done here as a first time writer/director.įirst off, there is an actual narrative here with meaning and relevance. It should surprise no one who has ever watched Scrubs that his performance keeps the movie together or that he is able to create a jokey, distant, somewhat sarcastic character who also elicits real empathy from the audience and manages to emanate deep wounds. Ian Holm demands attention, as always, and Natalie Portman's Sam, while offputting at first, definitely grew on me as she grew into a real character.īut the real story here is Zack Braff.

It's a great little story with just the right balance of comedy and drama, full of quirky characters and interesting performances. It can be slow or awkward from time to time and there are one or two moments that just don't work. So it surprised me to come here and find it rated so low.

10 andrew drive, lawrence township, nj