The Antithesis of Beautiful

Rating: 1/10 (1 April 2005)

I am afraid I found this movie appalling. The characters were cruel, unpleasant, bitter and twisted. The central male character has fantasies about the teenage school friend of his own daughter - I'm sorry, but that is disgusting and in an age where children are being groomed to be adults, frankly irresponsible.
His wife was a bitter shrew, you are supposed to feel sympathy for Lester, he's such a rebel! Forgive my sarcasm, but as rebellions go, chucking up your corporate job to work in a fast food restaurant - yawn!! Smoking dope - yawn!! All his rebellion was about himself. He couldn't even rebel and do something worthwhile.
What Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning were thinking when they signed up for this, I cannot imagine. I respected them as versatile and talented members of the Hollywood acting fraternity, they have definitely lost points with me for this twaddle.
Virtually every action, every word, every look and every nuance in this film was unpleasant. If you want to look for rebellion and suburban angst, watch the infinitely better and wickedly funny Desperate Housewives; you will be amazed!