Rating: 
Summary: The best movie of all times
Review: i have watched this movie more times than i can count, and i still love it. the characters and plot mix so well together. it is a film that leaves me with a sense of comfort at the end. i cannot put into words the love i have for this movie.
the way the characters' lives twist and turn together leaves u with a tightly fitted story. i hope all enjoy this movie as much as i do.
Rating:
Summary: Doesn't deserve anything under 5 stars
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I've seen it at least ten times, and I still love it. The story was well written, and there was great character development. I found that I could relate to different aspects of the characters, and when they cried so did I. I recommend it for anyone that enjoys a drama that doesn't mind crying at the end!
Rating:
Summary: Loved it , Loved it
Review: Thought it looked boring when I saw the preview, but thought what the heck. I was rivited. It was an incredible, touching story about a father and troubled son. I have since bought the movie and will watch it over and over. Recommend to all ages!!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding acting drama
Review: Kevin Kline does an amazing acting performance in this drama that reminds you to live every day to its fullest for you never know how much time you have. Kline lives his hum-drum life divorced from Kristin Scott-Thomas and estranged from his wild, and usually ...up, 16 year old son Hayden Christensen (from Star Wars). When Kline gets fired from his job he collapses outside the building and finds himself in a hospital with only a few months to live due to cancer. Without telling his ex-wife or son he decides to turn his shack of a house into the house he always wanted over the summer with the reluctant help of his son. As the project ensues, and as he eventually becomes sicker, the house project becomes a family project. This movie will leave you with hope, as much as it is sad, it is uplifting. It's about fathers and sons, husbands and wives, friendships, and just learning to live with one another. The ending is one of the most joyous endings I've come across in a movie lately. I thoroughly enjoyed this little seen movie, and I hope you do too.
Rating: 
Summary: A Movie About "Life"
Review: When "Life As A House" was first released I wanted to see it, despite the fact it opened to mixed reviews. Many people say the movie is a sappy tearjerker. That it tries too hard to grab our emotions. This all very well may be true, but, after I saw this film, I thought it was wonderful. And, I even thought it was one of the better movies made in 2001. But, I sort of forgot about this movie since I saw it. Untill last night when I just happened to see it on tv.
"Life As A House" really is a great movie. Yes, I too can see the film's "flaws". But, the thing that gets me about this movie is how well done it is. The performances, escpecially by Kevin Klein (Who after I first saw this, I thought deserved an Oscar nomination) as a dying father. No one in this film seems to be "playing it up". No one is acting like a ham. I love the delicate touch the actors give the movie. "Life As A House" has so much heart to it, that I just can't find myself resisting the movie. But, besides acting and heart, the movie has other strong points. There are some very nice visual shot by cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond. And at moments the movie has good dialogue.
The story-line to the film may sound a bit confusing, but, I'll try to explain it as best as possible. George Monroe (Kevin Klein) plays an architect, who has hated the last 11 years of his life. He has a breakdown in his office and is fired as a result. He is then told he has cancer. One of his life long dreams was to build a "perfect" house. He nows sees this as the perfect time for him and his son, Sam (Hayden Christensen, in a role that drew much critical attention his way) to spend some time together and get to know one another. See, George was once married to Robin (Kirstin Scott Thomas) and they had Sam, but since the divorce, Robin has married Peter (Jamey Sheridan). And either one of them gets along with Sam, who locks himself in his room, does drugs, has piercings, and listens to loud music.
"Life As A House" does throw in some things that aren't really necessary. Like a sub-plot concerning one of George's neighbor's as his ex-girlfriend, played by Mary Steenburgen. And now her daughter, Alyssa (Jene Malone) likes Sam. This doesn't really do anything for the story itself. And I guess certain things were thrown in for a comic relief, like the fact that almost everyone in the neighborhood, thinks George is crazy. But, over-all the effect of the movie works.
Some may see this movie as a rip off of "American Beauty", I can see how and why someone might think that, but I don't completely agree. I think this film is trying to do it's own thing. Plus, I think "Beauty" is a better film anyway lol. Certain things in this movie may seem obvious and you will be able to tell what will happen, but, it's what takes place inbetween those moments that makes "Life As A House" work.
A lot of people dislike this movie because they said it's trying to be too many things at once. It has the human element needed to be a drama, it has funny moments, and has romance. Well, to these people I just say, at that what life itself is filled with? "Life As A House" wants to be one of those kinds of movies that "gets life on screen". It wants to be comprised of the things that we all go through. Granted, we all may not exactly led the same lives these characters lead, but, I think everyone gets the point I'm trying to make. So despite it's flaws, "Life As A House" is a movie I hope everyone who sees it enjoys.
Bottom-line: An effective well done "tearjerker" that has wonderful performance, fine directing, and some beautiful dialogue. A movie about life!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful metaphor
Review: In this movie, Kevin Kline plays a dying man who wishes to rebuild his life and relationships with his family. While living in a shack in the shadow of his ex-wife's home, he reaches out to his son, a drug-abusing, profane teenager whose aimless rebellion is distasteful to everyone around him. Kline begins tearing down his old house while reliving unhappy memories of his own father. He shares reminiscences with his son, and slowly begins building a new house and a new relationship. Various neighbors are portrayed as the dysfunctional people they are, but eventually the whole neighborhood gets into the act and the building progresses at a dramatic rate. Excellent performances are turned in by Kevin Kline, Hayden Christensen as his son, and Kristen Scott-Thomas as his ex-wife. This one is worth your time!
Rating:
Summary: It grew on me
Review: The first time I saw this movie, I didn't like it. I didn't like it, because although the story was good, the editing wasn't. I was confused on some parts at first.However, I'm the type of person that as I see it more, I like it more and more. Everytime this movie is on, I'm drawn to it. Then I know I like it. Hayden Christensen was amazing!!! This guy has more talent than anybody gives him credit for. It was nice to see Kevin Kline in a more dramatic role. Kristin Scott Thomas was amazing. She played a character that was so tough and so strong...and she's got a good American accent...very natural. I do recommend this movie!!! I will definitely buy this DVD!!
Rating: 
Summary: A Little Sappy, but not bad
Review: This movie wasn't that bad, but it tried way to hard to be touching and just came off as sappy. It was about a divorced architect (played by Kevin Kline), who is diagnosed with cancer. He decides that he wants to re-gain touch with his estranged son by building a house over the summer. ... You should see this movie is you like...tear-jerkers, and if you don't then you might not enjoy it very much.
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: I have watched this movie so many times I cannot recall how many. This is an absolutely brilliant film. I loved all the characters and the entire plot was well thought up. The actors did a fine job and I think this movie is one of the best ever, and definitely my favorite!!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Movie
Review: I have seen this movie 3 times and each time, I loved
it! I never really enjoyed Kevin Kline before, but
in this movie, he is great! The whole cast is
perfect. It is filled with laughter and saddness.
I thoroughly recommended this movie, a must for
you collectors..
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