Lemos Review of The United States of Leland

The United States of Leland (2003)

Was this an attempt at an American Beauty sequel or prequel?

[6/10 · 11 January 2006]

This movie immediately reminded me of the fantastic Sam Mendes film -American Beauty; that is with regard to it's tone, general feel and pace. In many aspects it shares some common ideas with the above mentioned film, but alas several of the actors including Kevin Spacey, Lena Olin and even Don Cheadle (who seems to be in every ensemble movie nowadays)are a bit of a let down. Comparisons also stop here; I felt let down by the disconnected narrative, the lacking in delving deeeper into the characters depths and a final plot which is just a mere convenience as an end to a means. Disconcertingly overall this film does not stand up to close and careful scrutiny. With a good cast, (all the youngsters are actually quite good with their performances) I felt slightly let down by what could have been a good premise for a great film.