“You want to see the most beautiful thing I’ve ever filmed?” Uh, maybe not Mr. Spacey. But we will take a look at AMERICAN BEAUTY and the other two releases from October 1, 1999, THREE KINGS and MYSTERY, ALASKA. Time to look closer…at Episode 61 of Opening Weekend! 

It’s the early fall of 1999 and the boys are watching three cinematic game changers: Sam Mendes’ “American Beauty” and its take on repressed, suburban malaise; David O. Russell’s “Three Kings”, with its fever-dream, anti-war prescience; and the biggest game changer of them all, Jay Roach’s “Mystery, Alaska”…because it makes Dan want to literally change the game…from hockey to anything else. 

What’s creepier? The way Kevin Spacey ogles Mena Suvari in her cheerleading outfit or the way Jason and Fred ogle George Clooney in his Desert Camo? And asDan enthusiastically repeats stories he told 8 episodes ago about bad jobs, living in Astoria, bad jobs, and living in Astoria (also about bad jobs and living in Astoria), Jason and Fred reminisce about the amazing artistry they witnessed that season: Jason, with the paintings of Norman Rockwell and Drew Sturzan. Fred with the acting prowess of Ed Koch and Drew Barrymore’s Mom. 

Put down the camera, Wes Bentley, you’re freaking that dead bird out…and tune into Episode 61 of Opening Weekend!