User reviews

I weeped like a child. Not at the end like everyone else, my manliness was able to get it all out a little before. I'd say this is a good movie, but it's all been done before. There was one slutty character that didn't make any sense, which I found distracting. The partial focus on the adolescents was a nice change for tear-jerkers. Guys can relax- let your girlfriends/wives take you to Life as a House- you'll get points and you'll enjoy it, too.

Excellent and realistic humor to boot.

"Life is a House" tells of a dying architect (Klein) who razes his dilapidated shanty and builds a new home. The house in "...House" is a metaphor..tearing down the old, building the new, putting asunder old regrets while erecting a legacy for those left behind. Entertaining though contrived, "...House" sports a solid cast, doesn't get too weepy or sappy, is full of poignancy, and sanitized for audience protection. In the final analysis, "...House" delivers good old fashioned three star Hollywood entertainment which will be enjoyed by all but the most cynical.

Actually, that's a 7.5. Let me break it down for ya: The good: Kevin Kline... oh, Kevin Kline, he plays this part so naturally, and he definitely holds the entire movie together (which is needed, as it has a lot of loose ends). In fact, I could watch the movie again just to see his performance. Every word he says (even if it is a contrived "revelation" about living life to the fullest or something like that, which is the writer's fault, not his) oozes with humanity, and the scene in which he destroys his models after being fired will go down as one of my favorite scenes of all time...that's right... all time. Watch this movie for Kevin.

Scott Thomas: excellent actress, plays the part well, you struggle along with her during the emotional roller-coaster (sorry for that cringe-inducing cliché, and the one I just used to describe it). Her and Kline make quite the on-screen pair.

The metaphor: The house... it's SO obvious and in your face but I love it anyway. Tearing it down (as well as a lot of tearing down/coping with family history that is explored well in the movie, especially in an unbelievable scene between Kline and Christensen that ends beautifully like this... "Build this house with me.") Incredible.

The not so good: Christensen: I know, I know, everyone and their dog praises him in this role...I just don't see it. Whiny to the point of nausea...not in that "playing the character well" way but in a, well, nauseating way. He is saved by Kline in most scenes. Nothing much to see. And his character changes so quickly and unnaturally, which leads me into...

The writing: The first 75 minutes of the movie are, for the most part, so beautifully written... witty, touching, bloody emotional. The rest is filler (in my opinion). All issues are resolved easily and predictably. And the ending... I mean come on, why? In my head I pretend it was never there,it makes the movie better in hindsight, which, if I may quote the movie, is "like foresight without a future." Yeah, that was in the first 75 minutes.

I DO recommend this movie. Most of the performances are great, and there is some very good dialogue all over the place, just look out for the occasional giant heaps of maudlin fodder being crammed down your throat (alright, alright, it made me cry a little so it did its job.)

As predictable as this film is, it moved me in many ways. I am a single father, 58 years old, whose life largely revolves around a wonderful twelve year old boy. He'd better not go down the road of Kevin Kline's teenage kid or I'll kill him! (just kidding-don't call Child Protective Services just yet).

California Cinematic Dreamin' aside, the people here are real. Their vulnerabilities are in the open and they deal with each other as best they can. Kline's son is confused about more than his sexuality, far more. His first girlfriend accepts him and, more importantly, her own sexuality, with a maturity in no way undermined by a delightfully playful demeanor.

As in similar films, the viewer has to suspend reality when the doomed character accepts his fate with no mention of palliative, much less curative, medical intervention. His condition is never fully described but a quick, distant shot of murmuring doctors examining x-rays (x-rays? No MRIs, CAT scans or PET scans in a CA hospital?) brings home that the architectural model builder has hit a brick wall.

The cast is first-rate - everyone plays his/her role convincingly.

The message of the film is, of course, the enduring need for community. And this celluloid community is moving and loving. A truly fine film. (Yep, I cried into my popcorn.)

Somebody once said that `life' is what happens when you're not looking. And it's so true. Too often we let the years slip by, and the important things slip right along with them; and it's only when something happens that we start to pay attention, and by then it's too late to do anything about it. The good news, however, is that as long as you're still breathing there's still a chance to make amends, or at least try to. You can try, not to make up for past mistakes (and we've all made them), but to make `today' count, which is what a man at a particular juncture in his life discovers and sets out to do, in `Life As A House,' directed by Irwin Winkler, and starring Kevin Kline.

George Monroe (Kline) is an architect, a man who can design anything, with the exception of that which is the most important: His own life. He has a failed marriage-- now divorced for ten years from Robin (Kristin Scott Thomas)-- a failed relationship with his now sixteen-year-old son, Sam (Hayden Christensen), he's getting on in years and he's unhappy, which is driven home by circumstances involving his job and his health that make him abruptly sit up and take notice. His `house,' literally and figuratively, in not in order. And he decides to do something about it. He's determined to tear down his old house and rebuild a new one, and he begins by arranging for Sam to come and live with him for the summer. And it will be a summer that will affect, not only George and Sam, but Robin, and a number of others, as well; a summer in which the trivial things of life are put on hold; and for once, the important things are embraced.

Working from a well written and insightful screenplay (by Mark Andrus), Winkler delivers a drama that is thoughtful and poignant (at times, even poetic), wonderfully acted and beautifully filmed by cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond. Rich in metaphor, it's an engrossing film that works on a number of levels, and will appeal to a wide audience-- many of whom will relate to George and his situation, others who will identify with Sam; and for some, it may hit strikingly too close to home. Whatever your personal situation is, it will fall somewhere within the emotional arc Winkler creates here; and if it doesn't now, it will eventually. Because, as this film so trenchantly points out, `life' happens. And the most important thing is knowing what to do with it-- if not the first time around, then at least before it's too late.

He received an Oscar for his portrayal of Otto in the comedy `A Fish Called Wanda,' but Kevin Kline decidedly hits his stride in dramatic roles: As Nathan in `Sophie's Choice,' Mack in `Grand Canyon' or Ben in `The Ice Storm,' for example; and now here, as George Monroe. Kline brings George believably to life, with a performance that hints at who George was, but most importantly tells us who he is now. With understated subtly, he conveys his inner-most feelings in a way that enables the audience to make that all-important emotional connection with the character. He makes you feel as though you know him; and once you do, and once you meet Robin, it's hard to understand what went wrong between them all those years ago. One can only assume that somewhere along the line youth and a lack of focus took it's toll-- understandable in a world that bombards us daily with endless stimuli. And it's one of the subtle perspectives that makes this film so effective.

Kristin Scott Thomas gives a convincing performance, as well, as Robin, a woman who has moved on with her life, but in whom you can discern a certain dissatisfaction with her current situation. On the surface, her life seems agreeable, but we see through her portrayal that it is still lacking in some regard. She seems happy to some extent, but it's more like the unfulfilled happiness that comes when one has `settled' for something. You get the sense that what she has with her current husband, Peter (Jamey Sheridan), is somehow less than what she had with George, at least at some point or other. Thomas does a good job of indicating the complexities of her character, dipping beneath the surface to make what could have been a one-note character alive and interesting.

One of the real rewards of this film, however, is found in the wonderfully affecting performance of young Hayden Christensen, as Sam. With but a few TV appearances and a handful of unremarkable films to his credit (the exception being a part in Sophia Coppola's `The Virgin Suicides'), Christensen is virtually an unknown, but comes through with some extremely impressive work here. He not only finds, but manages to convey, that turmoil of confusion and need for personal identity that every teenager experiences, and he presents it quite naturally and effectively. There's nothing feigned or pretentious about him; the Sam he delivers comes from somewhere deep down inside, and working from the inside out makes him very real and believable. It's a performance that should jump-start his career, which is about to be catapulted into high gear/high profile status when `Star Wars: Episode 2, Attack of the Clones' hits the screen, in which he plays the role of Anakin Skywalker. And because of the magnitude of that film and all that goes along with it, he will never receive the acclaim he deserves, no matter how good a job he does in it; so it's important that he has this film under his belt, which demonstrates what a truly gifted young actor he really is, a fact that may be overlooked once `Clones' hits (which is what happened to Leonardo DiCaprio after `Titanic'). And Christensen's performance here is a big part of what makes `Life As A House' a winner. I rate this one 9/10.

I am a college professor and teach a variety of psychology classes, general, adolescent, child, human relations, etc. I have shown this movie to every class and it never fails to grab everyone's attention. Every time I see it I find something else to admire...usually a line I've missed previously. It took about 10 times for me to pick up on "Thinking of jumping? No, pushing." Granted, I'm slow. It is a film that every parent and child should see, together. The acting is meticulous. Hayden Christensen is so good as a troubled teen that I hated him as Darth Vader. He will always be Sam. If you aren't crying or fighting back the tears than you obviously were born without a heart. Oh yes, I'm a father.

Sam Monroe (Hayden Christensen) is a mess and doesn't get along with his stepfather. His mother Robin Kimball (Kristin Scott Thomas) divorced from his father George Monroe (Kevin Kline) 10 years ago. George gets fired from his hated architectural job. He's dying from cancer and decides to tear down his shack to build his dream house. He has a combative relationship with his next door neighbor Colleen Beck (Mary Steenburgen). Her daughter Alyssa (Jena Malone) is Sam's schoolmate and she likes Sam. George forces Sam to spend the summer with him building the house. School drug dealer Josh (Ian Somerhalder) recruits Sam to prostitute himself and they're arrested by the police.

I am not a Hayden Christensen fan. Other than 'Shattered Glass', I rarely like his performances. For this movie, he's well cast for this whiny bitter teen character. He has a pathetic self-indulgent streak that is perfect for this role. This movie can be overly sentimental. I would rather not have some of the sappy talk between Sam and Robin. It needs to stay focused on the father and son relationship. There are also a few too many people sleeping around. That cul-de-sac turns into orgy central all of a sudden. There is a solid foundation of a sentimental movie in the middle of everything.

I was 12 when I discovered this film, after Attack of the Clones came out.

I am now 30 years old, and I have yet to find a film that speaks to me the way this film does.

The story is filled with believable characters and relationships. The dynamics between Sam and his parents through the film definitely reflected my relationship with my family as I was a troubled youth (though my problems were vastly different and caused by abuse). As a 12 year- old watching this, I saw in Sam what I didn't want to become. Sadly, the events in my life parellled me to him. The movie was, at one point taken away from me, as it was blamed for my rebellion (by my abusers). I didn't see the movie again until I was 18, and survived my own battles with depression and drugs. As I movied into adulthood, I figured my ability to identify with the film had waned. Surprise! I relate to it now more as an adult. I relate with not only Sam more, but with George, Peter, Allyssa, and Robin. Especially after loosing my mom to Cancer.

This is a film for the ages, and I look forward to watching it with my children as they move into their teen years.

Though Kline and Scott-Thomas are the leads and show their chops that made them stars, Christensen shines so brilliantly that his talent is breath-taking. Each role is so well-portrayed that you're completely comfortable understanding the plot. The movie is challenging, thought-provoking, and intensely human, well-worth the attention of men who may presume that it's a chick flick. The action and adventure is in the challenge to deal with the plot. It's gut-honest, everyday life, involving situations we all deal with: intent, marital disharmony, second-guessing decisions we made, seeing the light, and desperate substitutes we use to deflect pain.

Absolute worst film i have seen in years. I was flabbergasted when i saw that people were actually crying. I could barely contain my laughter or my lunch. There was not one orginal thought in the entire picture. it was merely a collage of some of the sappiest and most trite moments from other bad sappy films all rolled into one. It could be used as a lesson in insincerity. The fact that so many Americans enjoyed the film is indicative of the total decay of originality and depth in the American cultural psyche. There was nothing to challenge, nothing to think about, and nothing to care about in the entire film. Only a nation whose sense of spirituality and depth can be captured in Oprah's two minute "remember your spirit" could find this film interesting. talk about emotionally stunted.

"Life as a House" is not an easy film to watch. Its story is piercingly poignant, sometimes depraved, and unbearably sad. If you insist on flashy amusements and naive happy endings in your films, this is not for you. If you are "real" though, about the dynamics of our troubled lives, then it is for you. And if you are sensitive, then this is a film you can only watch about once a year.

It is well written, directed, and acted, especially by Kevin Kline and Kristin Scott Thomas. Hayden Christensen gives us the same believable anger, sullenness and pathos as his Anakin Skywalker character did in Episode II; maybe better. He makes a good troubled teen. And Jena Malone is good with the script she is dealt.

I'd recommend this film to anyone.

Sense I've seen this move it has been my all time favorite! Not only do the actors play wonderfully, but the storyline of the movie is exquisite! It's about a Man(Kevin Kline) and his struggle in life with his job, family, and health. Through the move he gets in touch with his troubled son Sam(Hayden Christensen) and ex-wife Robin(Kristin Scott Thomas) a lot of anger in the beginning of the movie that transforms into smiles and laughter, it's amazing to see how the characters change so much. If you like to laugh and cry and all that good stuff you'll love this movie, Watch it, NOW! Although it truly is an excellent movie, I would not recommend this movie to anyone younger than 13, a lot of cursing, some drug usage and sexuality.

Life as a house was a spectacular movie in my opinion and surely in a million other's opinions as well. Kevin Kline and Hayden Christensen were brilliant together and truly made this movie Excellent and Amazing. This Movie was Harshly Rated, I do not believe it should have been Rated R, and I hope that the rating has not discouraged anyone from watching it. It is a terrific movie that deals with very real problems in life and the miracle of Change. You have not seen a truly great movie until you have watched this film. Although this movie is an incredibly well-made Drama, it contains lots of humour and comedic elements that make you smile and laugh through-out the film. This movie will leave you with your heart a-flutter in your Chest. And the Desire to know more and see more. You Will Truly be left with a feeling of Supreme satisfaction and Dazzlement at how the film played out before your eyes.

This movie is crap; there is no doubt about it. It tries to be quirky but it comes off perverted. Also it is oversaturated with pointless and quickly forgettable subplots. Finally, it is sentimental in a bad, sappy, unsubtle kind of way. Yet there is something captivating about Kevin Kline's and Hayden Christensen's performances as a kid and his dying dad. They are the movie's only salvation. They make their strictly one dimensional characters gain an extra dimension, not an easy task with the juvenile script they had to work with. Here's hoping they I see them again in a better film.

While I'm not one to easily give out accolades towards films, this little talked about film is however an exception. Kevin Kline gave one of the best performances I've seen from him as the father who is secretly dying while simultaneously trying to reconnect with his troubled teenage son as the two embark on the task of building his dream house, which itself serves as reconciliation, or better yet a new beginning. Kristen Scott Thomas forever type cast as the cheating/conflicted wife was tolerable as the ex-wife to Kline character.

Having experienced what it was like to grow up without my own father I had firsthand experience as to what it felt like to keep that resentment and anger in during those crucial teen years. I saw this movie for the first time late one night while my wife and kids were all asleep and I got drawn back into what it was like all over again. I have absolutely no shame to admit that this movie had me in tears in several key scenes. I place this film as one of my all time favorites as well as making my list of films that make you cry and think at the same time.

"Life as a House" is one of those movies that looks like it should be a total stinker, but actually comes out quite good. Architect George Monroe's (Kevin Kline) life is going down the tubes. He's totally alienated from his ex-wife Robin (Kristin Scott Thomas), while his son Sam (Hayden Christensen) has gotten addicted to drugs. To crown everything, George is plagued with guilt from having injured someone in a car wreck. So, George decides to build a house as a metaphor for his life. While some people find it a little strange, he clearly has some good intentions for everyone.

Kevin Kline has been my favorite actor for some years now, and "Life as a House" reinforces that. Some parts of the movie may be a little sentimental, but it's overall pretty good.

I think that the best way to put it would be that Life As A House is a movie that is telling a story about a life that many families are living throw today.I would of said that its a story of life it self.It don't says only about drug problems in some families,i think it says about a lot wider concept of life.A father discovers that he has a cancer so he decides to catch up the lost time with his kid which has problems with socializing which he replaces or cures with drugs.So his father wants that the last thing he does in life is that he builds a house with his son which he wanted to build since he was a young man and to help his son to get on his feet again.Life As A House is in my top twenty and its one of many movies that at my opinion deserves Oscar an the haven't got it.This is a movie that the entire family will enjoy at and watch it more then once.

I waited almost a year to see this movie and I just saw it this morning and it was amazing. Hayden Christensen was wonderful in this but some lines were a little corny. But over all I think you should see it. And of course I cried at the end. It is just so emotional that you will need the kleenex! I'd love to see it again. Sarah ~~I do not fear death. It is what comes after death I fear.~~

Greetings again from the darkness. Irwin Winkler takes a rare turn behind the camera and really turned this into a sappy melodrama more suited for the Lifetime channel. The wonderful cast lead by Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Hayden Christensen and the always outstanding Jena Malone deserved a stronger hand. Nice little story that can't help but make you think about your life, even during some of the more outlandish scenes. Kevin Kline captures the physical look of his role very well, but KST confused me more than once with her mannerisms. A tad too much profanity and weirdness from the teens, but I understand the attempt to make a statement. No matter what you think of the story, one must admit it is a cool house.

The thought behind this movie is utterly terrifying. I think the audience is supposed to be pleased that young Sam gets rid of his make-up, piercings, hair dye and neo-punk wardrobe in favour of the blandest form of conformity available in the United States today. Three cheers for individual freedom of choice, as long as all individuals choose to behave the same way as all the other individuals.