Life as a House (2001)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Life as a House (2001): Dir: Irwin Winkler / Cast: Kevin Kline, Hayden Christensen, Kristen ScottThomas, Mary Steenburgen, Jena Malone: Positioned as an art film yet it is too stupid and ridiculous for such praise. House is a metaphor for an enclosed life of a father who learns that he has cancer and decides to rebuild a cottage with his rebellious son in an effort to reconnect. We know with exact certainty that they will eventually bond, tears will flow, and the house will get built with the unenclosed toilet. There are many unnecessary subplots include the dog crap on someone's lawn; teenage girl next door who seduces the teenage son in the shower; her mother who has an affair with a teenager who falls off the roof. Not one of Irwin Winkler's better films. He previously made The Net, which is a far different film. Kevin Kline is superb as the father delivering the one performance that doesn't crumble in this travesty. Hayden Christensen on the other hand overacts as his bratty son. Kristen Scott Thomas is unnecessary as the ex- wife. Mary Steenburgen appears as the idiot neighbor who has nothing better to do than watch males that are way beneath the meter for her. Jena Malone also lives next door and unfortunately cannot find shelter from the camera when shooting begins. The theme regards experiencing life despite a screenplay that falls apart. Score: 3 ½ / 10

just beautiful. for performance. for profound - game of reflections -story. and for the art to discover root of basic things. tale of a family. crisis, frustrations, lost of patience. and a house. as axis, silhouette, mirror. river of tensions. search of sense. a war out of limits. or sense. in fact, a secret battle. and the fragile, magnificent victory. victory of each character. against it. result - touching-subtle picture of every day. a lesson. and more. because this film is only echo of ordinaries situations. nothing more. its real virtue - to be an universal image. not inspiration for solutions. not sad. just meditation about root. root of small events. and build of a house into the heart of others soul.

The movie "Life as a House" covers all the topics a movie can cover. You feel fear, love, passion, and mystery all bundled up into one heartfelt film. This film had me laughing and crying all at the same time, and I would recommend this movie to anyone who needs a good reality check. George (Kevin Kline) was a man of mystery. He lived a simple life, in a non simple world. He had a job that he hated, and ex-wife that he still loved, and a son who hated him. He lived with a secret that would not be completely revealed until the end when it takes your breath away. Knowing that he is ill George decides it's the perfect time to build that house he has always told his ex-wife Robin (Kristin Scott Thomas) he would build. Having issues controlling their son, Robin finally agrees to let Sam (Hayden Christensen) live with George for the summer to help build this house. After having marriage issues with her husband, Robin begins to spend the days over at the house helping as much as she can. Sam is an unhappy teen who hates his while existence. He finds comfort in drugs, but finds more comfort in the girl next door Alyssa (Jenna Malone). The make-shift house does not having running water, therefore, Sam is left to shower at Alyssa's place. Sam and George have a hard time seeing eye to eye, and all the while George keep the illness a secret from everyone to include his son. After many fights with his son, and confessions of love to Robin, George is left no choice but to tell the truth when his illness gets the best of him and he is hospitalized. The casting in this movie could not have been better. Sarah Finn and Randi Hiller were able to find the perfect people to fill the shoes and make this movie feel as realistic as possible. The movie was filmed off the coast of the ocean where many mornings were filled with a bright orange sky and the sounds of waves hitting the rocks below. The camera crew was able to catch the emotions of each person throughout the movie. This movie is able to provide so much attention to detail and I would suggest it to anyone. I don't believe it could have been set with a better cast or location than it was. I give the movie two thumbs up for a job well done!

If given one word to describe this film: Amazing. If given three words: Amazing, Amazing, Amazing.Kevin Kline, Kristin Thomas, and Hayden Christensen all give very convincing portrayals of their characters, the acting is beyond extraordinary. They make you empathize more than you'd imagine possible.Some compare it to American Beauty, but I believe both movies are in a class of their own. American Beauty was a bit darker than this film is, but either way, this is worth the watch.This film is a must-see under any circumstance! Every moment sucks you in and you're always eager for more. I was expecting an easy watch, but not such an emotionally enticing film. I know that this film will stay with me forever, it's one of those movies that you always remember, the one that doesn't have to be written down because you'll always have the title memorized.Bravo to the Director, the Writer, and all of the actors.