11 out of 10

Rating: 10/10 (5 March 2002)

Believe me, hardly anything about this movie is "typical." I find it hard to describe in words the awe that American Beauty inspires, and writing a review to give it the full praise it deserves is futile -- but I'll attempt to contradict some lame criticism. Say for a moment that you don't take into consideration the storyline - this film stands out in its visual beauty alone. The cinematography is.. beyond outstanding. The music is haunting, Thomas Newman could not have done a better job. And the acting: Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning at their very best, unbeatable. But very the magic of this movie is the way that screenplay writer Alan Ball weaves the dynamic characters and "been done" events with wit and incredibly deep insight, an a way that totally redefines "beauty." He and Sam Mendes are a team that we will not soon forget. For those who haven't seen the movie, I cannot give a stronger recommendation for it.