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LIFE AS A HOUSE Send This Review to a Friend
Whenever I see a film with Kevin Kline in it the outlook already is promising. Kline delivers a smashing performance once again in "Life As a House," which has its strong moments and an especially fine cast. But the film, which was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival, becomes far too saccharine by the time the emotional story is played (or dragged) out. There are too many rooms in this metaphorical house.
Kline plays George Monroe, who is locked in a battle with his very difficult and problem-laden teenage son, credibly portrayed by Hayden Christensen, who is good working abrasively with Kline. George, an architect, has long dreamed of building his dream house, but is living in a shambles in the midst of an upscale neighborhood in Southern California. A particularly nasty neighbor would like to drive him out. But George is fatally ill and wants to get his house built before he dies. He also wants to turn his son around and establish a better relationship. His method is to order his reluctant son to help with the construction.
Another always welcome presence is that of Kristin Scott Thomas, who plays George's ex-wife. Despite the hostilities, there remains a residue of warmth. Mary Steenburgen plays a sympathetic and somewhat daring neighbor and the impressive young actress Jena Malone is delightful here as a pal to George's son (they take showers together). The cast also includes Sam Robards, Jamey Sheridan and Scott Bakula. Screenwriter Mark Andrus sprinkles the film with humor and director Irwin Winkler has succeeded in making "Life As a House" a good-looking work that does justice to the location.
But there's an overabundance of story action here, and the effort to squeeze every bit of sentiment out of George's plight and his dreams ultimately places the film in the tearjerker genre. Still, Kevin Kline's performance is something to experience. A New Line Cinema release.
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