Kevin Kline, Hayden Christensen, Jena Malone

When a man is diagnosed with terminal cancer, he takes custody of his misanthropic teenage son, for whom quality time means getting high, engaging in small-time prostitution, and avoiding his father.

Flixster Users

90% liked it

18,817 ratings

Critics

46% liked it

102 critics

R, 124 min.

Directed by: Irwin Winkler

Release Date: October 26, 2001

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DVD Release Date: March 26, 2002

Stats: 3,670 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (3,670)


  • December 1, 2008
    I really wanted to like this movie. The characters were too wooden to construct a proper, emotional drama.
  • June 26, 2008
    Christensen and Kline have a wonderful chemistry. And although it lacked originality, it's a fine film.
  • May 27, 2008
    I cried, yeah I admit it...fired from his job as a fabricator of architectural models and diagnosed with terminal cancer George Monroe (Kevin Kline) enlists the help of his reluctant and rebellious son Sam, played by Hayden Christensen, to demolish the shack that George inherite...( read more)d from his abusive father and build an elegant home in its place...

    During this experience, George reconnects with his son and his divorced wife Robin, played by Kristin Scott Thomas. The process of building the house is eye opening for both George and Sam. Sam in particular changes from a rebellious drug abusing teen into something more closely resembling his father. This is evident in the final sequence, in which Sam gives the house to a woman disabled by a car accident caused by George's father while driving under the influence...very touching...
  • April 1, 2008
    beautiful indie film, it even managed to convince me that Hayden can infact act
  • January 3, 2008
    strange but compelling at times
  • November 6, 2009
    Un filino troppo buonista.
  • October 17, 2009



    Ph
    ...( read more)otobucket">


    The featured house had to be removed after filming, but costume designer Molly Maginnis led a group of parents that had it dismantled, reconstructed, and enlarged to become a library for the Kenter Canyon school in Brentwood, California. The new library opened in April 2004.

  • September 21, 2009
    Add a review (optional)...
  • September 20, 2009
    beautiful story..i've watched it so many times.
  • September 14, 2009
    never even heard of it

Critic Reviews


October 29, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Sadly, Christensen is the only jolt of excitement in this turgid soap opera. full review

October 26, 2001
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Has much heart and not enough brain. full review

October 26, 2001
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

For a movie that's all about embracing life wholeheartedly, Life as a House sure does a good job of keeping its actors in check. full review

October 25, 2001
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

Elevated beyond its cutesy contrivances and mawkishness by some extraordinarily good performances. full review

View more Life as a House reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • claudyetta
    July 23, 2008
    I've loved this film...i think taht actors are great and the story is beautiful...
  • SnugglingBunny
    May 18, 2008
    This film has a great deal of heart, the whole feel given from the film is indescribable, you just have to see it yourself.
    The music score is perfectly fitted in this film, as a matter of fact, I own the soundtrack myself.
    Amazing relationship and performance between Sam and George (Kline and Christensen). Although I disagree when individuals make negative comments on Hayden Christensen's acting in the Star Wars prequels, this film is sure to change your mind.
    If you're looking for a good cry, this is surely the film to see.
  • angelbear211
    September 3, 2007
    I really liked this movie. It was amazing,engouh said. All I want to know is why the main older character, George, gave his house to somebody? who was it?I'm really confused!
  • katgirlkany
    July 3, 2007
    wow i seriously want to see this because of the reviews
    it looks as though its a nice movie
  • xXxHarleyxQuinnxXx
    June 2, 2007
    YOU R EDWARD! SAM! some body make twilight (best book ever) into a movie and cast this guy as edward! and me as bella tee hee.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Life as a House Trivia


  • What movie is this quote from: "I think there has to be a door between where you cook and where you crap. Even in the bush - tribal people, you know, they have a place for both. Probably it's like a law. God! It's probably in the Bible. It's at least a building code violation."  Answer »
  • In what movie was Hayden Christensen a neo/goth, lived with his dad on a cliff for the summer and prostituted himself?  Answer »
  • ***What Does George Say That He Almost Saw After Jumping Into The Ocean In Life As A House***  Answer »
  • in what movie did kevin cline get cancer and build a house?   Answer »

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