a wee bit overrated

Rating: 8/10 (22 April 2005)

Director Sam Mendes proves a great showman, but his film fails when it tries to pass itself off as some deep philosophical commentary on suburban life. Since the movie makes most of its points as a cartoon, it's a bit much when it asks us to buy its adult characters as human beings (this makes the film's motto, 'look closer' ironic, since it doesn't bear close scrutiny).
I'd pin the blame for this fatal flaw on Alan Ball, whose screenplay, despite capturing many truthful moments, hobbles everyone involved by being more interested in hollow sensationalism than real emotions (the ending being a good example).
Still, the movie excels as a beautifully shot, very entertaining black comedy.