American Beauty Reviews

She is a beauty by the way!

I've always been a fan of movies that stand out from the norm and leave the audience sitting, somewhat stunned, when the credits begin to roll. This movie fit my criteria perfectly. The acting is simply amazing, with some inspired casting, especially the remarkable Kevin Spacey. This movie might have just been put aside if any old person was thrown into each role, but the actors chosen, bring out the fascinating characters the screenwriter penned and the director envisioned.

It's a somewhat serious film, but it's also a black comedy. The more I watch it, the funnier it becomes. I eagerly anticipate the heavier, darker scenes that still put a weight on my chest. This movie may not be a winner with everyone, but if it draws your attention, it's got you caught. Enjoy.

One of the most moving, darkly witty, yet disturbing movies I've seen. "Magnificent" doesn't really do the impact of this movie justice - but for want of a better word, it's fabulous. Kevin Spacey is typically excellent; and really does have a role that gives him sufficient space to truly shine. Annette Benning is nearly equally wonderful - if it were anyone else but Kevin Spacey alongside her, she'd probably steal the show. The creepy kids also make an excellent debut to the "big time". Whether you're male or female, 18 or 58, I'm sure you'll see the Beauty in this film, American or not. Directed with a very deft touch, you leave the film feeling as if you've been genuinely changed by the emotions of the characters - perhaps because they're all to real in our world today. If there's any film you must see before meeting your maker, this is one of them.

Sick!

do NOT b fooled by ppl clasing this movie as a comody. i did not laugh once throughout the movie and found it to be upsetting and disterbing. do not watch!

Weird, but wonderful

What makes this such an excellent film is how it's so different from all the other stuff. It is honest, weird, funny, tragic, and if that's not enough it really makes you sit back and think.

The entire cast make this what it is - a powerful film that is worth viewing more than once.

Have I missed Something?

Having read all the reviews online for this movie, I thought I was in for a real treat. I sat and watched, waiting for the film to turn and for something exciting to happen. Kevin Spacey was his usual excellent self,and did the best he could with the storyline. I was really dissapointed. I feel that i am not thinking the same way as everyone else!!

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total disastrous , only one thing..

i think is a movie that makes me feels tired and hopeless after watching it , there 's only one thing , which is, it awakes us to understand more of the teenagers today ' s life... and thinking.

That 'all the film is about, nothing of aspiring but showing off the most shameful and crucial of the society are about today ,which is not quite right to be , i hope that it doesn ' t bring any much of the negative to people who are watching out there..

A meaningless production !

One of my favourite all time movies.....

Everything about this film is superb, I cannot fault it in any way. If you can't enjoy this - you're dead from the neck up.

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz.

did i miss something here . wot a load of boring pretentious drivell ! DO NOT bother watching this film unless u r a pompous pillock .

Really overrated

I just don't understand the praise for this movie. The characters are cliches, the critique of suburbia stale, the insights into the human condition almost nil. Mendes is preaching to the choir, so to speak, and making little effort to really explore the complexities of modern American life in any of its actual richness or horror. It's just a lazy liberal critique of modern American suburban materialism with cookie cut-out characters whose shallowness won't threaten the shallowness of Mendes' polemic. Give me a break.

A wonderfully clever film

American Beauty is fantastic. Kevin Spacey is a very creepy actor, yet he is also very likable. The character of Lester Burnham seems to have been written for him. The roses in the front garden represent a perfect life which this family seem to have, when in fact their life is utterly depressing. Annette Bening is wonderful as Spacey’s miserable wife, as is Thora Birch as his daughter Jane. The whole family hate each other and the film tells the story of them finding happiness from other places.

It is directed flawlessly by Sam Mendes and the camera work is beautiful. The ending is genius, perfectly timed and shocking. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in intelligent, dark and witty films.