Woody doesn’t do New Jersey

Calling New Jersey the Garden State has always been a two-word joke for those who think that “The Sopranos” defines Jersey’s geographical attributes. Truth is, parts of New Jersey are more bucolic than anything in Eastern Washington. That has nothing to do with Zach Braff’s film “Garden State,” which I saw this morning. It just seemed like a good way to begin this entry.

Actually, the theme here is misdirection, which applies to the image of New Jersey as it does Braff himself. As the lead actor on the television sitcom “Scrubs,” Braff seems like a guy who’s more comfortable with a cheap laugh than someone who can write, direct and star in a film that actually has a heart. But a heart is exactly what “Garden State” owns.

It involves a 26-year-old actor/waiter named Largeman (Braff ) who is called home because his mother has died. In a daze because of the medicine cabinet’s worth of drugs that he has been taking since age 9, Largeman finds the means to change his life when he meets the oddly appealing Samantha (Natalie Portman) . Not only is the film funny, it’s endearing and just the find of film that stays with you hours after seeing it.

I would, though, take issue with a description of Braff that was included in the Sundance program: “Without overstating things” — watch out when a sentence starts like that — “ ‘Garden State’ ” makes an excellent case for writer/director/actor Zach Braff evolving into the Woody Allen of his time.” Sure. And Tony Soprano is Santa Claus.