How much do you really see that isn't derivative of something that came before it? The real crime in that is that it takes away from the original works. I'm not sure why I like American Beauty as much as I do, but some movies people like more than they should. I think I might just leave it at I like Kevin Spacey a lot and in the end I like most of his movies even if they are kind of preachy and boring (Life of David Gale I'm looking at you).
My dislike has nothing to do with politics. I like 'The Grapes of Wrath' which way to the left of American Beauty. :-) There was just nothing new or insightful about it. It falls into the all my criteria for Bad Art. Tells the audience what to think characters that are complete sterotypes. And being told how 'poetic' that floating bag is made my blood boil. For a great picture of an alientated teen see 'Ghost World' also with Thora Birch.