What is the big deal?

Rating: 3/10 (26 August 2001)

American History X is a predictable race drama with no real insight. A second viewing on television tonight confirmed my initial feelings for me. The change for the main character seemed unmotivated and a bit too quick.
One thing that was interesting was the film's use of Venice and the seemingly benign streets of LA's Westside as the location for this melodrama to play out. A more obvious choice would have been the American South.
All in all without the fine contribution that Edward Norton makes, this would be a complete waste of time.