So, what exactly is this movie about? With a name like "Life as a House," who would pick this up? Put the confusing name aside for a second and see this movie.
It is actually a really touching story about the importance of family, without feeling too preachy. The movie stars Kevin Kline as George and Hayden Christensen as Sam, a father and son. When Sam looses control and finds his way into drugs, makeup, teen attitude and prostitution, his mother can't handle it. So his mother, played by Kristin Scott Thomas, enlists the help of his father to straiten him out. George takes Sam for the summer to partake in some father-son bonding and relationship building activities. In traditional character building fashion, Sam is forced to help his father knock down and rebuild his home. While they reconstruct the house they are rebuilding their relationship. They do this while living in a small garage without creature comforts, such as hot water an enclosed toilet or an indoor shower.
The story is strong and character driven and will hit you strait in the heart. Kline and Christensen have an impeccable chemistry and were really explosive together. Some of their scenes together were really moving and powerful. Christensen played the animosity and hatred that masked the love that he felt for his father really well. Although the story was great, what drove this film was the acting and character transitions. The audience gets to see the dramatic differences in the characters and brings it around full circle. The movie is essentially about the relationships that make you who you are. It has a little bit for everyone, drama, romance, family, comedy. This is one of those movies that is so deep and thought out that its just as good the fifth time as it is the first time. With each viewing you learn something different that was not noticed before.
The lighting is particularly good in the film, it begins to take on its own character. The movie also features Jena Malone, Mary Steenburgen and Ian Somerhalder, all which shouldn't be overlooked. The supporting roles are just as well acted and written as the main roles.
Its a drama, so keep the tissues handy. If you're in the mood for a comedy or action movie this probably isn't the best choice, but for a really great quality drama go see it, it will not disappoint.
Kimberly Lovisi
Life as a House
So, what exactly is this movie about? With a name like "Life as a House," who would pick this up? Put the confusing name aside for a second and see this movie.
It is actually a really touching story about the importance of family, without feeling too preachy. The movie stars Kevin Kline as George and Hayden Christensen as Sam, a father and son. When Sam looses control and finds his way into drugs, makeup, teen attitude and prostitution, his mother can't handle it. So his mother, played by Kristin Scott Thomas, enlists the help of his father to straiten him out. George takes Sam for the summer to partake in some father-son bonding and relationship building activities. In traditional character building fashion, Sam is forced to help his father knock down and rebuild his home. While they reconstruct the house they are rebuilding their relationship. They do this while living in a small garage without creature comforts, such as hot water an enclosed toilet or an indoor shower.
The story is strong and character driven and will hit you strait in the heart. Kline and Christensen have an impeccable chemistry and were really explosive together. Some of their scenes together were really moving and powerful. Christensen played the animosity and hatred that masked the love that he felt for his father really well. Although the story was great, what drove this film was the acting and character transitions. The audience gets to see the dramatic differences in the characters and brings it around full circle. The movie is essentially about the relationships that make you who you are. It has a little bit for everyone, drama, romance, family, comedy. This is one of those movies that is so deep and thought out that its just as good the fifth time as it is the first time. With each viewing you learn something different that was not noticed before.
The lighting is particularly good in the film, it begins to take on its own character. The movie also features Jena Malone, Mary Steenburgen and Ian Somerhalder, all which shouldn't be overlooked. The supporting roles are just as well acted and written as the main roles.
Its a drama, so keep the tissues handy. If you're in the mood for a comedy or action movie this probably isn't the best choice, but for a really great quality drama go see it, it will not disappoint.
