Rating: 
Summary: An excellent movie that requires THINKING (gasp)...
Review: I noticed that there was a plethora of negative reviews on this film, so I decided to put my two cents in. It seems to me that many of those who completely hated the movie never really say why - they cover it up by retelling movie events with long, "scholarly" words. For those in denial, or just too heartless to actually see anything good in this picture, here are a few things to consider:The title "American Beauty" isn't intended to be sarcastic. It also isn't intended to symbolize the sex-crazed-but-inexperienced teen girl. The negative qualities of the characters (ALL of them) ARE American, like it or not. This isn't supposed to be a perfect "happy ending" story. It is intended, however, to make the viewer think, with the hope that the viewer comes to the conclusion that there is beauty in all things, regardless of how many imperfections characters have. Anyone who uses the "This Isn't How America Really Is" argument can't handle the reality of it. Yes, there are homophobes. Yes, there are pot-smoking teenagers. Yes, some people cheat on their spouses. But heaven forbid you should bring all these elements together in a movie! Please. For keeping this movie in reality, I applaud Sam Mendes and the cast. In my opinion, this was an excellent movie; it plays on all emotions, has a worthwhile plot, and serves its purpose. If you are offended by it, then you are not looking at all perspectives of it. You don't have to like it. But if you don't like it, then there is the chance that you don't like anything.
Rating: 
Summary: American Trash
Review: This movie is so overrated. The acting is good but its not that good. PLease how do people see beauty in a dead bird and a mans head shot with blood coming out. The nudity was pointless and disturbing. Underage girls breast is not beauty in this way more disguisting.
Rating:
Summary: Deserved every award and more!
Review: American Beauty deserved every award it has received and more. This is the best funniest movie I have seen in quite some time. The main character played by Spacey depicts many of the 30-40 something parents and married men of today. One can not help but howl at some of the everyday drama in this family. If you thought Annette Benning was mediocre, think again. She plays a tight housewife/mother and real-estate agent that resembles so many women I have known. Her character is quite funny and the best acting I have ever witnessed from her. About 80 to 90% comic and ends in high drama. The writing here is superb and the actors involved have all contributed to make a most rewarding viewing experience. Totally funny and well worth the purchase. A movie to view again and again!
Rating:
Summary: every day americana
Review: This a movie that deals with many controversial issues-voyuerism, homosexualality,teen obsession,drugs, ect. Sam Mendes is a brilliant director and he's only going to get better. ( I think he was only 32 when he did this movie ) Sam Mendes took these issues and made them unoffensive because of his brilliant direction. He made them into "every day americana" Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning were very entertaining- the entire cast is exceptional. One may not understand or enjoy this movie the first time. See it more than once--it will grow on you--you will discover something different every time !
Rating:
Summary: My re-review on this GREAT film!
Review: You may have read my previous review, I forgot what I titled it, but I have decided that I can say what I wanted a little better no because I just finished watching this film 15 minutes ago! American Beauty is about a man who has family problems and a big mid life crisis. This man, Lester, has a wife and daughter that despise him, and his daughter has a friend, 17 year old too, that Lester starts to have sexual fantasies about. Lester's life is so terrible that he starts getting nastalgia from when he was a teenager, so he starts to become a teenager again. I'm talking from working at McDonalds to smoking marijuana, and he did both of those things and more. On the other hand, Lester's daughter, Jane, fell in love with her neighbor, Ricky, and Ricky is abused and quite eccentric. Well obviously this family is a real mess! Lester's wife hasn't sold a house in a long time, Lester is in a mid life crisis, and Jane is a mis fit with one friend and that friend is in sexual fantasies of Jane's father! I won't spoil anything for you, and if you want to know what happens then see the movie! You'll love it just as much as I do, if your nowmal. I hope this helped. Wyatt's 2nd review...
Rating:
Summary: Mid-Life Crisis
Review: A great movie! Sort of a bizzare "Man in the Grey Fannel Suit". I saw it after all the awards had been handed out so my expectations were fairly high. It more than matched them. The movie has that rare quality where I can watch over and over to pick up subtle bits of the characters. Those of you hitting mid-life may see more of yourself then you care to admit.
Rating:
Summary: A HOT SIZZLING LOOK AT LIFE!
Review: This is a hot sizzling look at life. One moment you're looking at a "perfect american Mom, Dad, Daughter- apple pie in the sky smiling photogenic family" in suburbia, then POW! the action and the "games" begin. High-powered money making agressive realtor Mom (Annette Bening) dominates temporarily, wimpy laid back inept Dad (Kevin Spacey). Their daughter, caught between these two is equally unhappy. Enter the cheerleader. This film is startling, shocking, graphic. The characters undergo major transformations. You will gasp and laugh, maybe, as they unravel before your eyes. Dad starts building those muscles and Mom---- No I won't tell you everything. See the film. It's adult, entertaining, humorous, provocative. No wonder it won all those awards. Excellent cast. Fantastic script-writing. Visually perfect.
Rating: 
Summary: A Movie That Is Extremely Over-Rated
Review: This was the most ridiculous movie that I have ever seen. I seriously doubt that it would have gotten any good reviews had it not been for the award nominations that it received. Hollywood has lost its touch!
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: This movie was full of beautiful imagery. It dealt with si many issues that are on peoples minds, that no one wants to talk about. Issues like adultery, masterbation, homosexuality, idolatry of a beautiful teen, drugs, abuse and the list goes on and on. If you can watch a movie and see it not for what society sees it as, but how it relates to your life then SEE this movie. If you can't do this, then simply don't waste your time because you will not enjoy this movie!
Rating:
Summary: GREAT!
Review: I saw American Beauty right whn it came out on video and then bought a used copy. I love this movie! I do not want to give anything away but I wil tell you the plot. It is about a suburban family, The Burnams. The husband and wife, Carolyn and Lester, have had marital problems for a long time but do not show it in public. Lester and Carolyn also have a 18 year old daughter Jane who doesn't like her parnt at all. Obvioulsy they are falling apart. Carolyn is having a hard time with her job as a house saleswoman. Jane is a misfit in school. Janes father starts to develope a crush on his daughter's friend, Angela and starts to have erotic dream an sexual fantasies about her. Lester, Janes dad. starts going through a big mid-life crisis, quits his job and starts working at a fast food joint, starts smoking marijuana, gets in shape to impress Angela and acts like a teen. This movie is very enjoyable and charming. You will love it. I'm not going to giveanything else away!
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