Not what it could have been-Which was never very much.

Rating: 3/10 (13 April 2001)

This is perhaps the most overrated film of the modern era, that being

the last twelve years, 1989-2000. The film is miscast, with highly

annoying performances from drab players. The set design is terrible,

with only its dark cinematography as a saving grace.
The direction by Sam Mendes is very one note, as is the ludicrous

script by Allan Ball. The usually superb Kevin Spacey is seen here

giving his all in what appears to be a daze of egotistical

self-indulgence, shouting his lines, grimacing for no reason, but

otherwise-and this is the unnerving part-boring you to tears.
Indeed, the whole film leads up to only one thing worth seeing-the
end credits. But wait-that's not all! Spread amongst this cinematic

wasteland are a bunch of overly theatrical performances, including a

celebrated turn by the less than impressive Annete Benning.
My major problem with the script is that it is so flippant about

everything, and seems to suggest that such behavior should be adopted

and celebrated. Sorry. Wrong. If this film had its way-well, trust

me...you don't even want to know. So spare yourself the pain of this

embarrassment. Read a book. Get a hobby. Do something-but don't damage

yourself with this drivel-I beg you.