Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful unique satire film.
Review: A middle class burn-out worker named Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey in a Oscar Winning role) has a unexpected and obessed crush on his daughter (Thora Birch) best friend (Mena Suvari) and he somehow resurrected himself. While he befriend with a young drug-dealer (Wes Bentley), who has fall in love with his daughter. While he has problem with his abused father (Chris Cooper) and trying to help his silent mother (Allison Janney). While Lester`s Wife (Annette Bening) is cheating with a real-eslate house salesman (Peter Gallegher).Directed by Sam Mendes (Road to Predition), Which He Win for Best Director for this Film and Oscar Winning first time screenplay writer:Alan Ball (HBO`s Six Feet Under), together, they made a terrific satire. This film also a Oscar Winner for Best Picture and Best Cinematography. Cinematogrpher:Conard L. Hall win His Second Oscar with This Film. Kevin Spacey win his Second Oscar with This Film also. Oscar Nominated for Best Actress:Annette Bening, Film Editing and Music Score. Terrific Performances by the Cast. This film was an unexpected hit turns into one of the highest grossing films of 1999. DVD`s has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an clear DTS 5.1 Surround Sound (Also in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and Dolby Surround 2.0 Sound). An running commentary track by Director:Sam Mendes and Screenwriter:Alan Ball. Storyboard Commentary by Mendes and Cinematography:Conrad L. Hall. The DVD is Packed with Nice Extras. This film is a savagely dark, frequently funny and uncomfartably indictment-dramatic comedy which has become an instant Classic. Super 35. Grade:A.
Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant cinematography, music and oh yes, acting
Review: Brilliant beyond belief cinematography. Oscar quality. The soft, new age music and soft rock made my Bose speakers come alive. Oh yes, the acting. First rate. Too bad this wonderful, who done it, movie was strongly degraded by masterbation and homosexual scenes which were flaunted from start to finish. But what should we expect from Hollywood these days anyway.
Rating:
Summary: This is my neighborhood
Review: The reviews from friends about this movie are mixed, as I think many don't get the true meaning about the movie. Your average American family; the father is going through a mid-life crisis, the mother is completely depressed, and the daughter hates them both. I thought the movie was fantastic and Kevin Spacey was great in his role.
Rating:
Summary: a mesmerizing masterpiece
Review: I am not a movie buff, preferring real life to the often contrived plots that fall short of the real dramas of real people I meet in everyday life. But for once, I see the point in making a film, and in watching it. From the first moment and movement, every detail falls into place in a tale draws the viewer (me, at any rate) inexorably into the midst of characters portrayed so believably and nuanced, warts and all, that one ends up with nothing but compassion for the human condition. The aftermath of the experience is not a celebration of destruction, but Lester`s statement of thankfulness "for every moment of my stupid little life". This thankfulness transmits through every tragicomic and gruesome scene of the drama, every scene revealing nuances and dimensions that grow with new viewings. And this thankfulness I wish to extend to a director and a unique group of actors (all throwing in memorable and believable performances) that have given an experience not to be forgotten.
Rating:
Summary: Best Movie Ever
Review: Some Movies are good because maybe they have a good story, or because they're entertaining, or they have good action. But it's been a long time (if ever) that I've seen a movie that challenged me and made me think about life like American Beauty (AB) has, and that's why I regard AB the best movie ever. I just saw it for the 2nd time on DVD, and it's message is just as profound and challenging as ever. Middle-aged man has mid-life crisis where he starts to question everything about his life, his material accomplishments, the BIG question. He is confronted by a materialistic wife, and a young and insecure but intelligent daughter. Against this backdrop moves in his neighbors, a military man with violent and rascist undertones, and his teenage son who appears more mature than his age. In Lester's world where everyone is a bit wacky and has their own deep problems, the Neighbor's son, Ricky, appears to be the only person "who is with it", and yet, he's a young lad peddling weed. The message? There is beauty in the world, there's beauty all around us, all we have to do is stop chasing the chase, relax and be able to see the beauty that already exists around us. Like Lester Burnham says at the end, "you probably have no idea what I am talking about I'm sure. But don't worry, you will someday." Do yourself a favour, rent this movie and see it for yourself. You won't regret it.
Rating: 
Summary: Mostly Fit for the Garbage Can with Slick Cinematography..
Review: ..This is the best that the Movie People can do for an Academy Award, no less! Starting off with the hubby masturbating in the shower (yes, just the facts,no embellishments). Some pleasant shots of California suburbs. So what, I can see some trendy suburbs here in Pa., or anywhere else for that matter. Every character is completely useless, except the long suffering daughter, whose father (who does his thing in the shower,this demonstrates his dead end,loveless marriage with an even more shallow money/real estate obsessed wife) is a true smarmy, lying wimp, not above smoking dope with his deranged (but pleasant) teenage neighbor,who turns into a friend of the wimp's long-suffering daughter.And to top it off this frustrated 40 year old suburban white,married (very unhappily) male,with one daughter has an ogling obsession for the Lolita-like cheerleader,foul mouthed friend of said long suffering daughter! There are plenty more generally nasty stereotypes, including the big shot real estate man with whom the said cipher of a wife goes gaga, resulting in the standard voyeuristic hard to watch bedroom scene which is supposed to be funny. And we're supposed to think that blackmailing your pain in the rear boss is funny too! And the strange boy's dad who thinks the aforementioned man, he who does smoke pot with son (not known by son's father) is actually what was once referred to as "queer", and may be directing his son in this direction..More misleading,voyeurism which some may find sickening. One or two of the real estate scenes may be funny,even if they're older and more dated than MR BLANDINGS BUILDS HIS DREAM HOUSE from about 50 years ago...The last 15 minutes all of a sudden become a decent thriller too, if you make it this far. And there is a twist at the very end, but this viewer was not surprised in the least...The moral seems to be "Why don't we just treat everyone with love and kindness,and think about the important things?" Nice moral,but a very ugly way to say it!! However, this film is timeless in that it is a classic case of a very ugly popular culture at the turn of the millenium! After watching this Academy Award Winner (Best Picture !!), I decided I would pass on the standard self-congratulatory "Making of this Film" nonsense.PS...Could anyone ever imagine leading actors (leading men)of yesteryear playing a role here like Spacey's,starting with the shower scene? Imagine Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Cagney, Bogart,H. Fonda, John Wayne,Cary Grant, Burt Lancaster, William Holden, the Marx Bros(!)Jack Lemmon,the Three Stooges(!),Ronald Reagon,Sinatra,Orson Welles, anyone...I Don't think so. But in the 80's 90's film industry, yes such a role is possible, maybe even coveted!
Rating:
Summary: American Beauty is not Pretty.
Review: This is a disturbing film. The Academy Award judges(who are so far removed from middle class America) were convinced that this represents America and picked it as best picture. At the same time, the movie going audience who are probably the same people who worship televsion shows like Jerry Springer and Jenny Jones spent their money to watch a rehash of what they like to watch on tv. It's hard to make heads of what the point of this movie is about except that middle America is really screwed-up. One goes to the movies for escapism, and not to be reminded of how bad and dangerous real life can be. The producers, writers, director probably knew the same kind of girls I knew in high school, because their portrayal in this movie nails it right on the head.
Rating:
Summary: Meets my standards, and they're tough standards!
Review: This movie really moved me. Some movies do it, others go by the wayside. Unfortunately, it has taken me two years to notice this film, but wow! Spacey gives another great performance, and the rest of the cast isn't bad either. The director played out his vision in the most beautiful manner. Everyone owes it to him or herself to witness this creation of brilliance. Those that find themselves disappointed with it don't understand what the film is about.
Rating:
Summary: My tastes were suited well
Review: American Beauty was quite a delightful surprise when I witnessed it. First off, I came into the movie with no insight whatsoever as to its content. In fact, I had hardly known of its existence other than the cover until tonight. Anyhow, this movie was simply wonderful. The acting was superb. Spacey stands as one of the most rewarding actors of our time, and his performance here remains strong. The rest of the cast delights as well. What's more important than the cast, though, is the sheer brilliance of the directing and the actual subject matter at hand. All I can really say is bravo to the staff and team responsible for making this film happen. Rent it, buy it, see it.
Rating: 
Summary: Oh my....ugh
Review: What is wrong with you sick bastards for praising this garbage?
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