Rating: 
Summary: "look closer" indeed
Review: When I think about what makes a movie great in my mind I invariably go back to the movie's ability to open debates, leave the future open for conjecture, leave the characters mid-stream in their lives. American Beauty never ends for me. It continues on with the rest of the characters' lives. Characters who have been transformed, redeemed, evolved and shocked from what might have been terminally depressing life trajectories. Who were the winners in this movie? Who were the losers? Were there winners and losers? Explain. Where will each of the main characters be in 3 years? In 30 years? Great stuff!Usually when a film is as linear and unambiguous as this I soon lose interest. But the pacing of the character revelations and development is so well written that it really does compel me to "look closer." Oh yeah... great sound track.
Rating: 
Summary: Missing something
Review: This is a great movie and has nearly everything going for it. It is so good that I can't add much to what others have said. This dvd has probably the most enjoyable commentary (by Ball & Mendes) that I have ever listened to and has many great extras. What's missing though (which is why I only gave this dvd 4 stars) is the deleted "outtakes" scenes that are conspicuously missing. These scenes are talked about during the commentary by Sam Mendes as if they were supposed to have been included on the dvd. Deleted scenes/alternate endings/outtakes are among the most enjoyable things dvds have to offer. That said, I heartily praise the dvd as being amongst the best I have in my collection and recommend it for anyone.
Rating:
Summary: If you loved the movie, you will adore the DVD.
Review: The DVD of the great film, American Beauty has a side table of fun digital toys. The director commentary over the whole film helps the viewer receive an "in the mind of director" angle. Sam Mendes's dry wit is enjoyable for a second viewing. There is a production video included, which is rather colorful. And (something any movie maker would enjoy) the writer and director walk through the story boards and picture stills, explaining further the thought process behind American Beauty. As a special bonus, if you own a DVD-Rom there is a program runable on your PC. If you loved the movie, you will adore the DVD.
Rating:
Summary: More Meaning
Review: A movie that everyone can relate to with a little thought. High replay value.
Rating:
Summary: Weird, witty, warped, and wild
Review: The primary reason I viewed this film was because I absolutely had to see the film that beat out The Green Mile for the Academy Award. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, and found it extremely enjoyable. (But, I admit that I still think Green Mile should have won.) Do NOT view this movie if you are easily offended or do not have an extremely open mind. Watch it, then think a little about your own life--you may see more similarities than you want to. Definitely an unexpected journey and look into the outwardly "normal and average" suburban family. As usual, the teenage daughter is convinced she's the only one in the world who doesn't get along with Mom and Dad. Dad is overlooked, and takes the mid-life crisis to a new level. I really sympathized with Lester, but the movie made it uniquely possible to see life from all the characters' points of view. The cinematography and visual effects are stunning. You'll laugh out loud, shed a few tears, and walk away thinking that your life ain't so bad.
Rating: 
Summary: It was a Dark Day In America when this movie got an Oscar
Review: I CANNOT believe someone would make a movie about such garbage. The fact that this movie got an Academy Award is an indicator of the degradation of society. In fact, the only difference between this movie and Jerry Springer is that it did get an academy award. Even on Jerry Springer atleast their is honesty, they confront their problems. I get frustrated everytime someone mentions this movie, which should have never been even conceived of in the first place. God Help us all.
Rating:
Summary: Four
Review: I had to watch this movie four times to truly appreciate it. That is because there are, in my opinion, four different story lines. First there is the story of Lester, and his mid-life crisis, or awakening. Then there is Ricky's battle with his parents. And lester's wife, and her inability to not focus on the material. And of course, Jane. All of these story lines intertwine, and come together to make a beautiful masterpiece. Warning: this film should only be viewed with an open mind.
Rating:
Summary: MIDDLE AGED HIPPY
Review: While young men are in crisis and boys are consigned to the back of the educational bus (3 out of 5 students in college are female) our art--with the exception of FIGHT CLUB--ignores this crisis. Instead, we are all treated to the spectacle of middle-aged hippy angst. My favorite literary critic, Colin Wilson, maintains that people like to see their own beliefs, conceits and bias reflected in art. That is surely the case with this sad little film. AMERICAN BEAUTY tries to justify adultery with a minor under the guise of middle-age "searching." No wonder Hollywood loves this film. They love Bill Clinton, too.
Rating:
Summary: Ordinary People for 2000
Review: This really is a dreary little film. In years to come it will be remembered just as Ordinary People is today, one that swept the awards boards back then, by now has absolutely no bite whatsoever. The acting is horrible, the script very weak, the directing very dull (Mendes should stick to running his theatre in London, though shouldn't direct anything there again). All in all a waste of time. I would say I'm surprised at the response of the general public to the mess that is American Beauty, but then that's the power of the media for you: they tell us what's good, most people believe them. Please start thinking for yourself people. Please.
Rating:
Summary: Dark Comedy about Middle America
Review: A dark comedy, about suburban life. Annette Bening and Kevin Spacey give outstanding performances as a very un-happily married couple. Their lives are falling down around them, they are each having their own crisis, and everything just snowballs. Somewhere along the way, someone could have taken hold of the situation, but no one does as their lives spin out of control. Its a dark commentary on the lives of a suburban family. Wonderful performances by all the actors in the film.
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