This outstanding film works at many levels: stinging social commentary, excellent comedy and interesting piece of drama.

In the wake of Academy hopefuls vying for the affection of sundry critics, American Beauty has emerged, if not intentionally, as an existential thriller with a demonic virtue that will certainly come to be treasured by a subculture of discerning movie-goers.

Review of the thought-provoking and entertaining film.

Beautiful it isn't, says an outraged critic.

Review by the Self-Made Critic.

A movie like American Beauty is sort of like the first real sign of fall. It's the first studio movie I've seen this season that gets by on script and acting ...

Synopsis and review.

Canny and cool 'American Beauty' is a caustically funny tale of regression

Review of American Beauty

3.5 stars out of 4.0 stars. Reviewed by James Berardinelli.

Metaphorical Overkill

Review of the film by Charles Schoellenbach.