Life as a House

Published in Cinemarolling by cheerbear11, on October 30, 2010

Movie review on Life As a House.

In “Life As a House,” Kevin Kline, with the help of a strong supporting cast, gives his best performance yet (certainly it’s Oscar-worthy). This movie tops the charts and is the most amazing I have ever seen. It’s that good!
As George Monroe, Kline leads the way on an emotional journey while teaching his es-tranged family – and the audience – the truth about life, and the lesson that every individual must shape him- or herself.
“Change can be so constant. you don’t even feel the difference until there is one,” he tells his son, Sam (Hayden Christensen), a 16-year-old druggie who doesn’t care about his family, only his next fix.
In the beginning, George not only loses his job but is also presented with the news that he has a terminal illness with only four months to live. He realizes he has thrown his life away and that he only this short time to get back everything.
First, he decides to build the house of his dreams on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, replacing his small shack that is surrounded by wealthy neighbors and their upscale homes.Second, he decides to involve Sam, which leads to including Sam’s mother, Robin(Kristin Scott Thomas) and soon George’s neighbors are even l ending ahand.

“Life As a House” is poignant and tender. It helps the audience realize the control we each have over our own lives, and that it’s never too late to change. Kline and Scott Thomas give extraordinary performances as a divorced couple with a rare attachment and a special relationship. Their desire to lead more passionate lives seems to spill over to the rest of the characters,changing each who becomes involved with building the house. Metaphorically,”Life As a House” demonstrates how easily you can transform yourself,once the decision to do so is made. By tearing down a shack and building his dream house. George really rebuilds himself and his family.
Aside from the film’s touching veracity, there is a humorous side, dry and blunt, that also makes the movie fun to watch. The dialogue glides along with ease, keeping the audience engrossed. The scenes come together like a puzzle, like the skeleton of a house that finally resembles a home.
I recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. I’ve seen it twice and it is worth the price of the ticket. When you leave the theater you will be overcome with a sense of magnificent bliss that only a movie as touching as this one can spark.