Norton carries an otherwise unremarkable film.

Rating: 7/10 (24 November 2003)

I don't purport to have the greatest taste in movies, but I can't help but feel that this movie does not belong in the top 250, especially not the top 100. If ranking great performances, then yes, Edward Norton certainly qualifies: his turn as a neo-Nazi skinhead is stunning, possibly one of the most powerful portrayals of pure hatred. Covering the gamut from heartbreaking to frightening, he never lets the character degenerate into a cliche.
If only the same could be said for the rest of the movie. American History X is unquestionably preachy, and even if it's a good kind of preachy (I like the ending, although to many it will be predictable), it's too by-the-numbers approach hinders the filmmakers' ambition to make a profound message movie. Save Norton, the rest of the players could be cardboard cutouts from any after-school special about bigotry and diversity.
But, of course, an after-school special wouldn't include homosexual rape.
And despite its shortcomings, watch this movie. Norton is incredible.