Here's a quirky little movie with a good heart. Delighting in the odd, extraordinary, and eccentric little pastimes or habits that make ordinary people unique -- "Garden State" serves up a curious allegory of hope.

In "Large" part, this film feels like a "Harold and Maude" updated. Not that it's a copy or necessarily a tribute, rather more sort of an original film that plays a great deal of homage, respect to that 70's cult film. And I say, kudos to that. The film world could use a lot more films with this kind of spirit.

Excellent dialogue, wonderful story, good performance by Braff (who also writes and directs). Though she certainly takes her time entering into the film (in fact, I was wondering if I was at the wrong picture), Natalie Portman eventually shows up, and not just for a cameo. This actress has impressed me before. And let me just interject, Natalie Portman is one of the great actresses of our time. Period. Her performance here is consistent with her ability to be her character. Though worthy of a nomination, she, as the film itself, doesn't indulge in syrupy soliloquies. The film has a lot to say, but is careful to more often than not -- understate.

With all that going for it, you'd think I'd be shouting A+, I'm not. That's because while Braff is good, he isn't awesome (and he is the focus of the film). Still, I'd be shouting A (which is pretty darned good). However, the extended resolution wanes. For some reason it contains less of the quirky energy that runs the film. And since I generally prefer films to end stronger, I'm dropping that A to an A-. That said, this is still a film I recommend.

(This film screened at a Laemmle Theatre.)