the BEST movie in a LONG time. truly brilliant

Rating: 10/10 (12 October 1999)

I was absolutely blown away after seeing American Beauty at the Toronto International Film Festival (where it won the Air Canada prize). I decided to watch it based on the people involved in making it, and BOY did it pay off. Sam Mendes is genius. Flat out, GENIUS. As he has done on stage, he creates a whole world, where you really get to know the characters. it envelops you from spaceys first line, onto his last, poetic speech before the credits. the acting is top rate: kevin spacey MUST get an oscar, and the film should also get a nod for picture, director, writer, cinematography and music. i won't try to sum up the plot or summarize the huge ensemble of characters, but i will say that this is a HILARIOUS, dark, moving, poetic, sick, but ultimately, perfect movie. by far, the best movie of the year, and one of the greatest ever made.