Garden State

Aroview: Sitcom actor Zach Braff compliments his career in "Scrubs" as the ambitious writer, director and star of this personal, melancholy comedy that became one of the independent hits of the year.

Playing a neurotic TV actor who returns to his estranged mother's funeral and the community he grew up in, Braff crosses paths with teenager Portman, whose kooky optimism wakes him out of his sedative state. Conforms to the format of the loosely-knit, quirky indie rom-com with a well-chosen soundtrack, but this is an above-average effort from its twentysomething creator, whose sentiments are sure to connect and inspire an audience of 'lost' youth.

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