American History X (4 stars)

I've liked Edward Norton ever since I saw him in Fight Club. He continues to impress me every time I see him in a movie and American History X is no exception. Norton is down right scary as the white supremacist Derek Vinyard. Edward Furlong (what the fuck happened to this guy after T2) plays his little brother and idolizes him even when he goes to prison for killing two black guys who were trying to steal his car.

The major thrust of the movie is how hate for hate's sake doesn't accomplish anything. My favorite line in the movie is when Dr. Sweeney (aptly played by Avery Brooks) is talking to Derek about his views. He asks Derek "Has anything you've done made your life better?" This is an epiphany for Derek, and he realizes that he's given up years of his life to hate, but for no real purpose. This is something I only realized myself; of course I'm not a white supremacist, but I've always had a problem with my anger management. Finally I realized it just wasn't worth it to get upset, it doesn't solve anything, and 9 times out of 10 it only makes things worse.

American History X is an excellent movie. Edward Norton's Oscar nomination for the film is well deserved. This is definitely a movie I could watch again and enjoy.