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I'd never heard of this movie until it showed up on DVD sites a couple of weeks ago. Then I read the comments here and thought, "Pass." But there was not much to choose from the other night, and the suspense/mystery/thriller genre is my favotire these days, so ... I picked it up. Glad I did because my wife and I enjoyed the movie. Certainly not a GREAT film, but very good. I liked the story, the film was nice and short, good characters. And we loved the ending and the twists. They were very clever. Overall, a solid suspense drama. Too bad this film didn't get released. Saw 4, on the other hand, goes wide and makes a ton.

I hate remakes as much as anybody. But "The Eiger Sanction" is the rare film that would benefit from an update. The script is good, lots of surprises big and small. I have to admit I did not see the final twist coming at all. Unfortunately, the acting, editing, pacing and mood of the film are substandard. Eastwood was really just finding his way at this point. I enjoy older films, but this one is so dated that it detracts from the finished product. Also, Clint tries to pull of a James-Bond-like protagonist, which for the most part just doesn't work. This script, with good casting and direction, and modern technology ... in the right hands would result in an awesome film! Sadly, Hollywood would dumb down and unnecessarily change all the things that make this a very cool (albiet improbable) flick.

Garden State is heartfelt and amusing on a small scale. There are numerous mildly clever lines and shots. The first hour flies by and absorbs the viewer with its deadpan look at mid-20s angst. The film drags a bit in its second hour. The final half-hour of the film is disappointing - instead of trying to resolve any of its interesting plot lines, the film becomes a simple "Will-he-or-won't-he?" love story. Braff is solid as the bland, quiet center of the film. Portman annoys initially, coming across as forced, but settles into a groove as she stops trying to convince us her character is eccentric. The side characters provide most of the humor. The love story is well-played and believable. A good film that could have been great, and is worth seeing. Zack Braff's combined contributions to this film are impressive enough to make me curious to see his next project.