This movie is difficult for me to describe in so many words. I did the best I could with the synopsis, but talking to people about this movie over the years makes me believe that it reaches people on several different levels. Some people believe Zach Braff has correctly described the types of lives children born in the years of the prescription drug use boom go through, some believe he was just looking for an excuse to kiss Natalie Portman, and some believe he described their own lives perfectly. What ever you think of this movie it is safe to say that it was definitely a good movie. The story line here is a real winner, but looking back it is hard to say "this story line is a real winner" without putting the bulk of the credit on the characterization. I loved the pathological liar most of all, she had an interesting life surrounded by dead animals and I can't discern whether she lied so much to impress people, for attention, or just for fun. The best part about it is neither can she. Zach Braff made himself to be a pretty brilliant character as well, and not because of the guilt hovering over his character's life. I liked his whole dynamic. The father keeping him heavily medicated, the friends that seem to have his best interest at heart sometimes, then other times seem completely self involved. The parents seem as down to earth as I have seen from a movie, and I mean down to earth by realism not by likability. If I were to read the script of this without ever watching the movie I could swear I was reading the memoirs of a Gen X or Gen Y, middle to upper middle class American. The movie works in a lot of ways, but the characterization has to be one of the best.
When you look at the way this was shot, the dialogue that was used, the music that was played, and the sequence of things going on it is hard to escape the title of "Indie Film." Not that the title is a slight by any means, but it just has the over bearing air surrounding it that "this was my first film, and I needed to make it artistic as hell." I love it when movies try to become more like art and less like a plea for more box office sales, and regardless of if this film pulled off what other Indies could not, I respect Zach Braff's first attempt. The dialogue in this was quotable and will most likely live on in fan's hearts for another ten years. The music played directly to me and re-watching it reminded me to download the soundtrack as soon as possible. There is some of this that cannot be ignored; but, still other parts that need a bit of work. One thing is that I love symbolism as much as the next person. but I really needed it to be toned down somewhat in this.
It is said that directing yourself is one of the hardest things a director has to do. So it is weird that Braff chose to direct himself in his first film attempt, but somehow he pulled it off. I guess the fact that he wrote the characters and knew them so well helped, but usual critiquing yourself is what people struggle the most with. This was a bit of a stretch from his quirky often silly "Scrubs" character, and seeing him do this type of role was kind of a breath of fresh air. I love the show, but I am glad Braff chose not to typecast himself. Portman was great as the young woman who was not afraid to be herself, and showed that she really cared about her character. The rest of the cast did great, but to be honest I kind of had to wonder if they were actually high during the drug use scenes.Watching this now as ten years have passed hasn't really aged this movie at all. There are movies that beat you over the head with technology of it's time, or brand names of it's time, or very notable things that help make you feel older having re-watched it. This movie did a good job at just being a movie and not a time stamp. If you re-watch it now, or even watch it for the first time I am sure you won't be disappointed.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 A couple of things hold this movie back from being as perfect as it can be, but it was very enjoyable and still is. If I hadn't known better I would have said Zach Braff had been doing this for years, but some moments in the film let you know that he is still a beginner.
