just watched American Beauty today. I hadn't seen it since it was released back in 99 when I was 12 and didn't know how to really apreciate it. this second viewing made this movie jump in my rankings, especially because Sam Mendes directing. - the scenes when Lester has "sexual trips" with Angela are all great, as the whole movie. I thought the acting was ok, and didn't see anything that special in Kevin Spacey's performance-don't get me wrong, I like the guy and he IS the movie itself, but his acting wasn't one of the major points that made me like this film. also, American Beauty is WAY better than Road to Perdition (the other Sam Mendes' film) in my opinion. one of the best from the 90's for sure.