the movie is good. the book is that much better. The film of the virgin suicides is a great compliment to the book - you might want to see it while you're waiting for the book to come in. Or not. I didn't feel either ruined the other.

I found american beauty hopeful in that it's possible to get out of a bad situation in your life, albeit temporarily, and be the kind of person you want to be. I found it uplifting when Lester told off the people who were bringing him down, and found out what it was like to really LIVE. I could go on all day, but anyway...