Perhaps the most underrated movie I've ever seen! I've seen this movie several times, and when it was in the theater I dragged everyone I could to see it with me... Not one was disappointed. Some giving feedback here may be calling it cheesy or cliché, but I found this movie to be incredibly original and real. I don't see much of a comparison with American Beauty, or any other movie for that matter. The performances are outstanding by all involved (as one who hasn't seen the Star Wars prequels, I was astounded to hear Hayden Christensen apparently does a horrible job acting in them). As a person who has lost both parents to illness, I was amazed and touched by Kevin Kline's performance, and wish there was a way to tell him what a great job he did.
Side note, for those who are criticizing Sam's transformation into something more "acceptable"... Please! It isn't about making him into somebody more acceptable or stereotypical... He journeys from being a miserable kid who spends his waking hours just trying to stay numb from the pain of his existence, to someone who can experience fulfillment; who knows he is loved, and is able to love for the first time.
A MUST SEE!