Life As A House, in spite of a pretty implausible set up, fleshes out some pretty interesting relationships.
Kevin Kline plays George who's been hitting the skids for ten years since breaking up with his former wife (Kristen Scott Thomas). They have a very rebellious 16 year old called Sam played by Hayden Christensen.
George really hits rock bottom, has a bit of think and what we'd have to call a huge mid life crisis and decides to finally rebuild his house, and to do it with the reluctant Sam's help. Of course the house is on a beautiful stretch of coast line in what looks like minor millionaire's row, but that's Hollywood.
Life As A House somehow pulls it off while pulling the house down. A real telling point would have to be Sam's metamorphosis from pierced Marylyn Manson clone into loving son happily wielding a hammer. Somehow I did find it plausible. Hayden Christensen proved himself to have some talent after all after the Star Wars debacle.
And Kristin Scott Thomas has to fall back in love with her no good former husband. That was made believable by restrained acting from both parties.
Sure the Christmas Lights were way over the top but by then I'd had a good time at the movies.
3 And A Half Flys Out Of Five
Kevin Kline plays George who's been hitting the skids for ten years since breaking up with his former wife (Kristen Scott Thomas). They have a very rebellious 16 year old called Sam played by Hayden Christensen.
George really hits rock bottom, has a bit of think and what we'd have to call a huge mid life crisis and decides to finally rebuild his house, and to do it with the reluctant Sam's help. Of course the house is on a beautiful stretch of coast line in what looks like minor millionaire's row, but that's Hollywood.
Life As A House somehow pulls it off while pulling the house down. A real telling point would have to be Sam's metamorphosis from pierced Marylyn Manson clone into loving son happily wielding a hammer. Somehow I did find it plausible. Hayden Christensen proved himself to have some talent after all after the Star Wars debacle.
And Kristin Scott Thomas has to fall back in love with her no good former husband. That was made believable by restrained acting from both parties.
Sure the Christmas Lights were way over the top but by then I'd had a good time at the movies.
3 And A Half Flys Out Of Five