What can I say about American Beauty that hasn't been said before?

Rating: 10/10 (17 January 2002)

I can say that for me personally, it's an uplifting experience everytime I watch it. I don't often connect with movies on an emotional level but American Beauty is an exception. Aside from humor, the brutal truth about suburban life, and the interesting characters, I think many would be able to find a sense of hope and peace in their own lives if they can find a way to relate to Lester Burnham.
The story sounds not entirely original. Set in a suburban neighborhood, Lester(Kevin Spacey) is bored, depressed, and sexually frustrated with his life. His job is going no where. His teenage daughter Jane(Thora Birch) despises him for one reason or another and refuses to bond. His perfectionist wife Carolyn(Annette Bening) rules the house with an iron fist. And as he realizes he has little to lose in life, he begins to live it how he sees fit, starting one night when he meets Jane's best friend Angela(Mena Suvari) and begins an unhealthy yet almost necessary lust for her. Angela is only a contributing character to Lester's new found desire to live life to the fullest, as Carolyn makes Lester realize what he doesn't want, Jane makes him realize what should be important, and new neighbor Ricky Fitts(Wes Bentley) brings back Lester's youth in a sense, and you see how Ricky himself is like a younger version of Lester. Ricky himself seems to express much of an artistic side, which at times seems exaggerated, but still in a way that you can enjoy it, and think about your own life. The most meaningful scene to me is towards the end, through out all of the suffering and pain, Angela asks Lester how he is doing, and Lester grins and realizes that he is doing well, and says he is great. This is a movie I watch whenever I need to feel better, and so far, it hasn't failed me yet. I haven't begun to describe this movie as far as the story goes, just what it expresses. It deserves at least a chance from everyone, so if you haven't seen it yet, give it a try.
Perfect 10.