Common Sense Media Review
Smart drama for mature older teens and up.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In GARDEN STATE, Andrew Largeman (director/writer Zach Braff) returns home to New Jersey for his mother's funeral. Andrew's psychiatrist father has prescribed powerful psychotropic medication for him since he was a child. But Largeman leaves all of his medications behind when he goes home. He has not really felt anything in a long time, and this may be the time to begin to try. Largeman is trying to make it as an actor in Los Angeles. He had a prominent role, but still supports himself as a waiter. In New Jersey, he catches up with high school friends including gravedigger Mark (Peter Sarsgaard), along with a cop, and the investor of "noiseless Velcro," who has tons of money but is just as lost as the others. Waiting to see a doctor about his headaches, Largeman meets Sam (Natalie Portman), who manages to give the typical "quirky romantic interest who shows up to give the lead a reason to want and hope for more out of life" role a genuine, effervescent, and endearing -- well, quirkiness.
Is It Any Good?
While there are some clumsy detours, Garden State is filled with outstanding performances and moments of great authenticity, sensitivity, and heart. Going home again helps Largeman understand who he is and who he wants to be. What is just as enriching is seeing how this movie is helping writer/director/star Braff learn who he is and wants to be. A hungover breakfast with Mark, his mother (Jean Smart), and a young man in a suit of armor is a small masterpiece of acting. And a scene near the end in an ark-like structure at the bottom of a canyon is deliriously but matter-of-factly audacious.
Braff's control of tone, mastery of image and feel for creating moments of moments of great sweetness and insight, and his willingness to hold back and not tell us everything about his characters to make them feel like they exist beyond what we see on screen are the qualities of a great film-maker. He makes us want to follow Largeman's journey as a man and continue with him on his own journey as a film-maker.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it was so difficult for Largeman to talk to his father. Why was it important to the story that his father is a psychiatrist?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 30, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : December 28, 2004
- Cast : Natalie Portman , Peter Sarsgaard , Zach Braff
- Director : Zach Braff
- Studio : Fox Searchlight
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, drug use and a scene of sexuality
- Last updated : April 29, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate