Much ado about not that much

Rating: 8/10 (1 June 2000)

Just like last year, when "Shakespeare in Love" won best picture, I asked myself "why?". This year, when "American Beauty" wins best picture, I ask myself "why?". This was indeed a good movie, but proclaiming it one of the best American movies ever is completely absurd. I really really like Kevin Spacey, but sometimes he seems like he's playing, well, Kevin Spacey. Annette Bening was TERRIFIC. Interesting, but leaves you wanting. Hate to say anything negative about Kevin Spacey, but in my opinion, Richard Farnesworth's performance in "The Straight Story" should have hands down won him the Academy Award for best actor.