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But, finally, our boy sees the light - in the form of his
daughter's friend (Mena Suvari) - and sets about retaking
control of his life and doing things that he enjoys.
He starts jogging, quits his job, buys the car of his dreams,
indulges in illegal substances and refuses to be used as a
doormat anymore.
Spacey is simply brilliant in the role. His anarchic change
from being brow-beaten husband to "you don't get to tell
me what to do ever again" man is delightful. One of the
best scenes is where he smiles gleefully at catching his wife
with another man knowing that he is truly free from needing
to care anymore.
His wife, Carolyn (Annette Bening), is determined to be the
No.1 real estate agent around (says a lot about her, doesn't
it?) - only she's not very good, in fact hopeless, and takes
her frustrations out on her family.
Benning, who is just fantastic, plays the arch-female dog
brilliantly and gives you almost nothing to like about her
character.
The support cast is also exceptional with Thora Birch (Jane,
the daughter) giving a moving display as the teen who can't
stand her parents and who finds love with the intense boy
next door (Wes Bentley).
American Beauty is not what I expected - that of a
pathetic mid-life-crisis ravaged man having a steamy affair
with a young blonde - it is much deeper and much more satisfying.
Heartily recommended for anyone who feels they need to break
free of life's chains and the expectations of others.
Bloody brilliant!
Conclusion: Movie 95%, Extras 85%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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