Definitely a must see--one of the best films in a long time.

Rating: 10/10 (21 September 1999)

After reading the reviews for American Beauty, I thought "It sounds good but can it really live up to the exemplary ratings that it received?"----Yes, it can. I was skeptical at first--not sure if it would leave me awe-struck as it did for so many in its opening weeks. American Beauty has a way of pulling you in--making you live the plot with characters--experiencing their smiles and tears. It teaches you that beauty is all around you and it is up to you to see something for what it really is, through your eyes alone. Its about finding happiness and love in a point in your life when everything seems to be in an exponentialy-growing, downward trajectory. I was lucky enough to see American Beauty before its fame (my theory of its projected fame) hits the entire country. If possible, try to see it before you hear anything more about it. All of the actors/actresses are incredible--my favorites are Kevin Spacey and a tie between Thora Birch an Annette Benning for actress. Don't get me wrong--I didn't think that there was a bad or even mediocre actor/actress in the entire film. My only regret is that I don't have the means of writing an astounding review for this awesome film--I just don't have the words. My semi-pedestrian comments are no match for the excellence that the movie achieves. Everyone who sees it will take something different away with them when they leave. So see this film as soon as possible and be ready to laugh, cry(in some cases I'm sure) and see it again.