Quick Movie Reviews
Rating of
4/4
GJ81 - wrote on 12/03/2009
Sam Mendes' debut feature film is a revelation. It's a stunning marriage of simplistic film-making, emotional writing, and an original score up there with cinemas best. The performances across the board serve the material well, noone too flashy, all relatable and realistic. It's a shame the stand out role is by newcomer Wes Bentley, who sadly hasn't impressed since this movie.
Rating of
4/4
QINGDAO!!!!!!!!! - wrote on 10/10/2009
Hmm yes, masterpiece, yes. There is no weak link in this film, nothing flitters below perfect. Acting, script, directing, photography, nothing.
Rating of
N/A
FilmMasterYoda - wrote on 04/08/2009
This movie is amazing. I was a little taken back with the cast but thanks to Annette Bening I was hooked. I've since bought the DVD and watched several more times. I think it's very intense and at the same time you will find yourself laughing. The score does nothing but stand out throughout the entire film,,,That is a hard thing for me to notice sometimes but the acting and the music complimented each other and just added to the amazement of this movie.
Rating of
3/4
sapien - wrote on 02/05/2009
It seems to me that Kevin Spacey always plays a character with a very mundane life. And, in this movie, his character's highlight of the day is masturbating in the shower in the morning. Quite sad. But, definitely mundane as well. It's a pretty good flick.
Rating of
2.5/4
Ghost Seed - wrote on 08/20/2008
Blargh. A British man's attempt to "capture" (in other words STEREOTYPE) American society - if this is what we've become - a pathetic, dreamless, goal-less "head of household" married to an equally pathetic desperate female....it's time for me to jump ship. The only likable character is the neighbor boy (played by Wes Bentley) his character is the only artistic touch to a film that mocks the American family. All other frills as far as filmmaking are cheap tricks a student could achieve. Depressing & pointless in my opinion...you almost feel sorry for all of it's characters (for lame reasons, so why bother?)
Rating of
4/4
Tia Maria - wrote on 06/23/2008
I just love this movie, even though it is not something I would normally watch. It is about a middle-aged man called Lester, who is unhappy with his life, as he's treated badly by his wife, daughter and boss. Once he is introduced to his daughters' best friend, he finds himself infactuated by her. He eventually realizes that he has to sacrifice everything to get what he wants. It is a very sex-oriented movie, but there is so much more to it than that. It is really dramatic, funny, awesome, and a little bit creepy, all at the same time! It isn't your average movie - it is very different, but if you have never seen this movie, I absolutely recommend it.
Rating of
1.5/4
serioussir - wrote on 05/13/2008
This is one I didn't "get." I found no redeeming value in most of the characters -- there was just nothing to root for or any point to the show other than to show adults with no morals.
Rating of
4/4
Manda Kay - wrote on 12/19/2007
I love this movie because it takes the idea of the perfect suburban family, and elaborates on all of their problems. Kevin Spacey is absolutely amazing and I love Mena Suvari as well. Annette Bening also does a fabulous job as the crazy housewife. Although it is a bit creepy when Lester is fantasizing about his teenage daughters friend, it is still definitely a must see.
Rating of
4/4
ventilatorblues - wrote on 10/26/2007
Stunning actors, fantastic story. American beauty is fascinating movie about people, and what happens to them when they realize that their life is empty and without meaning. How they react, how they try to live. How families break into pieces. Again, Kevin Spacey does brilliant job. And all actors are great! American beauty is worth watching, really. It's touching, it's ironic, it's dark and funny. And that ending.. makes me cry every time.
Rating of
3.5/4
Allison - wrote on 09/14/2007
Kevin Spacey really freaked me out. The girls who turned down Mena Suvari's role should be sorry. The story is really amazing and it's disappointing that Sam Mendes hasn't done anything worthy since then. Kevin Spacey's character was evil and yet at the same time he got more flack than he should have.
