A Satirical Roller Coaster Ride Through Suburbia.

Rating: 10/10 (13 January 2002)

Let me begin by saying that American Beauty is not for everyone. Some people are downright offended by this movie. But for those who can admire a brilliant work of film, then American Beauty is a haunting, riveting, and amazing journey into the depths of the American suburbs where nothing is as it seems on the outside. American Beauty tells the tale of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), suburban recluse turned suburban rebel. After the image of his teenage daughter's friend inspires radical change into the ordianry world of Lester, he sets out on a mission to find his last shot at true happiness. Along for the ride are his cold and money hungary wife Carolyn (Annette Bening), his misunderstood teenage daughter Jane(Thora Birch) and their mysterious next door neighboor Ricky Fitts (Wes Bently). American Beauty opens your eyes to the world around you. The film does not give up until you do realize that your own ideas and misconceptions may lead to your downfall, and that redemption and happiness are not unobtainable, you must simply look closer.