Romano-3
Joined Jun 1999
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Reviews20
Romano-3's rating
One of the best movies I've seen in the last three years. Unexpectedly entertaining. A non-static documentary that is more interesting than most fiction. (Note: as a benchmark, other great movies of the last three years include Amores Perros, Y Tu Mamá También and American Beauty.)
Romano Rating: 95%
As a mainstream studio release, American Beauty sets a new standard for originality in screen writing and cinematic excellence. The characters in Sam Mendes' film are fresh, complex and real. "Look closer", indeed - the audience is drawn into the film almost immediately. The Alan Ball script is so strong that even the image of a bag blowing in the wind is completely captivating - not once, but twice.
American Beauty celebrates life amidst adversity with a boldness similar to that found in Life is Beautiful. Visually, it is in the same innovative league as the recent Run Lola Run. American Beauty has the emotional content and power that was missing from Eyes Wide Shut.
After already establishing himself as an extraordinary actor in Swimming with Sharks, the Usual Suspects, and Seven; after redefining a classic role in Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh on Broadway earlier this year; Kevin Spacey's performance in American Beauty somehow manages to raise the bar of excellence even higher. He may not have received a Tony Award in 1999, but as far as I'm concerned, the upcoming Oscar for Best Actor might as well be given to Kevin Spacey right now. Annette Bening also gives the performance of her career. Best Line: `Never underestimate the power of denial.'
As a mainstream studio release, American Beauty sets a new standard for originality in screen writing and cinematic excellence. The characters in Sam Mendes' film are fresh, complex and real. "Look closer", indeed - the audience is drawn into the film almost immediately. The Alan Ball script is so strong that even the image of a bag blowing in the wind is completely captivating - not once, but twice.
American Beauty celebrates life amidst adversity with a boldness similar to that found in Life is Beautiful. Visually, it is in the same innovative league as the recent Run Lola Run. American Beauty has the emotional content and power that was missing from Eyes Wide Shut.
After already establishing himself as an extraordinary actor in Swimming with Sharks, the Usual Suspects, and Seven; after redefining a classic role in Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh on Broadway earlier this year; Kevin Spacey's performance in American Beauty somehow manages to raise the bar of excellence even higher. He may not have received a Tony Award in 1999, but as far as I'm concerned, the upcoming Oscar for Best Actor might as well be given to Kevin Spacey right now. Annette Bening also gives the performance of her career. Best Line: `Never underestimate the power of denial.'
Romano Rating: 35%
Could have more aptly been called "The Snooze". A dessert of amusement. The few mildly interesting bits have been given away in the previews. The film is flatter than a pancake. You come out feeling sympathy for Albert Brooks. You can see the effort everywhere - like a boxer flailing at the air and continually missing his opponent - the film fails repeatedly to connect comedic punches. This is a comedy that shows at the seams and fails to deliver. Predictable and two dimensional. Few surprises and fewer laughs.
Best Part: Mario Opinato as the misunderstanding European Man.
Could have more aptly been called "The Snooze". A dessert of amusement. The few mildly interesting bits have been given away in the previews. The film is flatter than a pancake. You come out feeling sympathy for Albert Brooks. You can see the effort everywhere - like a boxer flailing at the air and continually missing his opponent - the film fails repeatedly to connect comedic punches. This is a comedy that shows at the seams and fails to deliver. Predictable and two dimensional. Few surprises and fewer laughs.
Best Part: Mario Opinato as the misunderstanding European Man.