I did not see much impressive from the 'American Beauty' either. I read bluerose's posting on 8-28-2000 and it didn't help me much either. I guess it just is a matter of preference. No offense to the people who like the movie. I just didn't like it very much though I agree that the colors in the screen, the actors/actress were excellent. Do many people give credit to the Rester(Lester?)'s bold decision to seek a life that he truely want to? Well, it was a courageous one. But I hope the movie expressed that theme in somewhat more constructive (?) way...