Why all the hoop-la?

Rating: Null/10 (15 May 2000)

Take the movie "Heathers" (great black comedy of teen angst), throw in "War of the Roses" (great black comedy of "married life angst") and...oh, let's see..."The Ice Storm"...shoot, even the device of the paper bag -- check out the floating leaf in "Forest Gump."
It's all been done before.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the movie. The acting was phenomenal. Kevin Spacey is deserving.
However, the picture is not -- over-used devices (paper bag floating around to signify a personal revelation, red door, red slip, red blood), odd kid, and suburban discontent do not add up to Best Picture. Good picture, yes; best picture, no.
No matter how many rose petals you throw on it, it's just a good flick; not a "contender."