The best film of 1999 - no argument!

Rating: Null/10 (13 June 2000)

What else is there to say about this cinematic masterpiece that hasn't already been said by countless others, including IMDb users, critics worldwide and other artists in the film industry?!
Well, I just want everyone out there to know that I feel the same way!
Possibly the finest actor working at the moment, Kevin Spacey makes Lester Burnham one of the most memorable, likeable, endearing and complex characters ever captured on film. I know a lot of people wanted Denzel Washington to win the Oscar for Best Actor this year [I can't speculate, as I didn't see Hurricane], but I was thrilled when Gwyneth Paltrow announced Spacey as the recipient.
The three younger actors in the film are simply amazing. She has been acting since the age of four and appeared in such films as Patriot Games, Hocus Pocus and Now & Then, but this has been the first opportunity for Thora Birch to prove just how incredibly talented she is. As Jane, the Burnhams' miserable and lonely teenage daughter, Birch did a wonderful job.
Mena Suvari gave a star-making performance as Angela Hayes, the star of Lester's "rose petal fantasies" and I am sure Wes Bentley's career will soar, too.
Alan Ball's script is delicious - a combination of being funny, sad and dark. And well done to British director Sam Mendes - what a fantastic first movie!
Just ONE little moan (sorry!) - I just think it's a pity that wonderful character actress Allison Janney, who stole scenes as Ellen Barkin's best pal in Drop Dead Gorgeous and as the counsellor in 10 Things I Hate About You, does not have an awful lot to do as Mrs Fitts.
Other than that, American Beauty is a perfect film.