It should have been decided at the outset to make this movie either a political or action thriller, and gone with one or the other.
http://www.flashpapers.com
have a copy of the original 1st released book. my favorite - i'm 54. haven't seen the movie, but heard it's really good. the book with it's illustrations broadened the gift of my imagination. not sure if i want to see the movie & risk my imagination not staying intact. thinking imagination overrules. maybe someday.
Forget the Alamo
Reviewed by shanahan for Lone Star at 2008-06-08 09:27:26
Sayles is one of the most gifted independent film makers in America today, and this is arguably his best effort. Partly detective story, partly history of the kind Faulkner did in Absolom, Absolom, the film panoramas whites, blacks, hispanics and the progression of American history in a tightly-woven tale of intrigue and suspense. Warrants half a dozen viewings.
Not Just A Beauty, An Instant Classic
Reviewed by tomcave for American Beauty at 2008-03-27 13:48:48
A story about individuals trying to live in our increasingly homogenized culture and the price of conformation and it's side effect, isolation and loneliness. By far, Kevin Spacey's best performance. Annette Benning's scene melting down in front of the drawn shades of a house for sale has left an indelible mark in my mind.