Rating: 
Summary: Great Movie, but the Second Tape is a Waste of Space
Review: I bought the awards edition of American Beauty, which contains one tape with the movie itself and a second tape that shows a 20 minute "Making of A.B" show with interviews with the director, producer and cast and then a one hour show where director Sam Mendes goes through storyboards about the making of the film, also bringing in his cinematographer for commentary.I really can't add much to the reviews of the many people who liked this movie. This movie is great because people can relate to Lester and Carolyn and their feelings. I definitely can see myself writing a similar "how I contribute" letter to my company that Lester did. My wife could definitely see herself as getting obsessed over material things and how things look like Carolyn does. So it really is an eye opener in that respect. There were some things that I just didn't get (the video of the bag in the wind, Ricky's catatonic mother), but the performances of Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning more than overshadow these flaws. I will say that if you can get through the bonus second tape, you'll probably only do it once. The "Making of" show was OK but nothing special, but I could only tolerate about 10 minutes of Sam Mendes' commentary on the story boards. If you are a budding moviemaker, you may want to watch it, but if you could care less to hear for five minutes why he chose to show a wide shot of Lester's office before he actually showed Lester at his desk early in the movie, I'd stop, hit the rewind button and put it back in its box forever. I would have preferred to see some deleted footage instead (even if it only was 10 minutes worth).
Rating:
Summary: New and totally original
Review: When I went to see this I thought that this would be interesting and when I came out I was dumbstruck, I felt like I saw the world I a whole new light. I am a big fan of Kevin Spacey and that is what originally drew me to the film. I have never been so educated or touched by a film before. The acting was sublime and I sincerely believe that it might have been perfect. It is the best film of all time. Considering my taste in film you might find it suprising to find American Beauty up there in the Top 5: 1. American beauty 2. Gladiator 3. High Fidelity 4. Gone in 60 Seconds 5. Man on the Moon Intiguing hein? Well thanks for reading and I you have not already seen this movie do so right away.
Rating: 
Summary: The end of american illusion
Review: When I first saw this movie, I went by a philosophy teacher's sugestion. When the movie ended I thanked god I was not born in the U.S.A. It was such a great critic to the "perfect family and society" that U.S. has the habbit to try and follow. What a punch in the stomach. I think that by viewing it outside the critics field helped a lot to my oppinion. What each character represents and means, and the way the beauty of things is dealed is marvelous! A masterpiece if you may say! American Beauty brings the americans to the ground!
Rating: 
Summary: American Boredom
Review: Sing it with me now, "...Stay away from me-he!"
Rating:
Summary: I watched this film in style
Review: Living in the uk can be really annoying. one of the reasons is becos of the delayed release of vhs and dvds in this country. although not owning this film yet, i watched it whilst sleeping in a field at the Glastonbury Festival 2000, and i thought it was fantastic! anyone in the US (or anywhere else in the world) should buy this film. I will . . . . . eventually!!
Rating: 
Summary: I am still nauseous!
Review: There are many things that bothered me about this movie. However, the biggest thing that bothered me in this movie was that characters that were supposed to be high school girls were involved in nudity in the movie.
Rating:
Summary: An accomplishment despite the viewpoint.
Review: A mature film that is a refreshing change (including the direction) in the barrage of mediocrity for the moviegoer nowadays. The film is, if not a disguised attack on, a criticism of the American family, military and American way of life - that is the philosophical side of homosexuality. Despite the strange turns and twists and the screenwriter's obvious preferences and preaching, it is well worth the publicity and oscars.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie but
Review: As Shannon posted up above be warned this movie will not work with all DVD players. I have a Mitsubishi DD-3000 player and have tried 3 copies of this movie and non of them will work. Of course it will work in my DVD player in my computer which doesn't have surround sound and a big viewing screen. I must say this movie is worth watching if you like a movie with a twist.
Rating:
Summary: Bad Movie
Review: I can't belive this film won any awards it ripped off so many films before it.To summerize.A used up idea done once again but this time since it was released by a big studio were all suppose to respect it.The film is trying to be artsy but it tries too hard and in obvious ways.In my opinion its the most overrated film to have won the oscar for best picture and to top it off its really bad writting,done in a predictable manner.If you want to see a good movie that it ripped off watch Interiors,Ordinary People,Sunset Blvd,Blue Velvet,and there are many others you can look up.
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars doesn't express how incredible this movie is...
Review: Finally, a good movie in the midst of all the terrible stuff they put out today. The story is awesome, the actors were superb, and the cinematography...I can't say enough about that (it made the movie). Other than the fact that it is a great movie on the surface, there are so many significant symbols, references, and statements that put it on a higher level. Most people would say Kevin Spacey's character was their favorite, however, for some reason, Jane was my favorite. I highly recommend you see this this movie, I regret not viewing it earlier.
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