#1 on the list of over-rated movies

Rating: 5/10 (9 November 2003)

Aside from some creative technique, and interesting character development, American Beauty is altogether unremarkable. I find it typical, Hollywood didacticism: "American suburban life is not as good as it seems." Ooooo, how profound! Whose life is? As an urbanite who is quite aware of the pros and cons of urban and suburban living--I was disappointed that the film's social message was so one-sided and shallow. More than any other ranking I've witnessed on imdb.com, I believe American Beauty's current position at #28 reveals much more about the voters than it does the film. Have the guts to point out the emperor is naked! 5 being a film that is worth either the time or the money--but not both--American Beauty barely squeaks by: 5/10.