run time: 122 mins
rated: 14A
considered: Drama
starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Benning, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, Wes Bentley
movie summary: Lester Burnham, a depressed suburban father in a mid-life crisis, decides to turn his hectic life around after developing an infatuation with his daughter’s attractive friend. (www.imdb.com)
my thoughts: American Beauty follows the life of Lester Burnham, a mid-40s-year-old guy who loses his job, has a crumbling marriage and a daughter that hates him. He decides to change his life by working at a fast-food restaurant, trading in his car for a classic Camaro, and smoking pot. His daughter Jane (Thora Birch) has a friend Angela (Mena Suvari), who develops a crush. After learning he may have a chance with Angela, he starts to work out all the time to impress her. Jane thinks this crush is disgusting and tells her boyfriend Ricky (Wes Bentley) that she wishes her dad was dead.
American Beauty was written by Alan Ball, directed by Sam Mendes, and won 5 Academy Awards back in 1999. It was a masterpiece for its deep storylines, great performances, and interesting plot twists.
my star rating: 7 out of 10
Ten Stars or Less 
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