Life as a House Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dying dad forces his angsty teen son to build a house with him, so they can bond over power tools and questionable architectural choices before he kicks the bucket.

🍿 Life as a House: Detailed Plot Synopsis

George’s Diagnosis and Decision

George Monroe, a disillusioned architectural model maker, loses his job and discovers he has terminal cancer. Faced with limited time, George decides to build the house he always dreamed of and reconnect with his estranged son, Sam.

Sam’s Reluctant Involvement

Sam, a troubled and rebellious teenager, is forced to spend the summer with his father to help build the house. Initially resistant and resentful, Sam’s involvement is marked by drug use, small-time prostitution, and general defiance.

Building a House, Building Relationships

As the summer progresses, the physical act of building the house becomes a catalyst for emotional healing and reconnection. George, Sam, and even George’s ex-wife Robin, begin to confront their past issues and find common ground. Neighbors and friends also join in, creating a sense of community.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• George Monroe (Kevin Kline): A terminally ill man who decides to build a house and reconnect with his estranged son.
• Sam Monroe (Hayden Christensen): George’s rebellious and troubled teenage son who is forced to spend the summer with him.
• Robin Kimball (Kristin Scott Thomas): George’s ex-wife who rediscovers her feelings for him while navigating her own family issues.
• Alyssa Beck (Jena Malone): Sam’s classmate and next-door neighbor who offers him acceptance and understanding.
• Peter Kimball (Jamey Sheridan): Robin’s wealthy but emotionally detached husband, challenged by Robin’s renewed connection with George.
• Colleen Beck (Mary Steenburgen): Alyssa’s mother, who has a brief affair with Josh, and serves as a support to George.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• George: “You know the great thing, though, is that change can be so constant you don’t even feel the difference until there is one.” – George reflects on how life can shift gradually until a significant change is realized.
• George: “It can be so slow that you don’t even notice that your life is better or worse, until it is.” – George explaining his thoughts about life’s ups and downs.
• George: “Or it can just blow you away, make you something different in an instant. It happened to me.” – George describes a drastic moment that alters one’s life trajectory.
• George: “Build this house with me.” – George says to Sam, in an attempt to bond and resolve their issues.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $27,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,667,270
• Worldwide Gross: $23,903,791

💥 Life as a House Reviews

Personal Review

This movie hit me hard. I was a teenager when I first saw it, and Sam’s angst felt so real. I remember feeling so much for George, and the scenes where they actually connect felt like a punch in the gut. The ending just destroyed me! It made me think about how I was treating my family, and honestly, it made me want to be a better person.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Kevin Kline and Kristin Scott Thomas”
  • “Viewers who enjoy emotional dramas about family and redemption”
  • “Those interested in movies about overcoming personal challenges”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Teenage prostitution themes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes (terminal illness)”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Kevin Kline delivers a nuanced performance as a man confronting his mortality and the fractured relationships in his life. The film avoids excessive sentimentality, focusing instead on the messy realities of family dynamics.
• A.O. Scott: “While Kline and Scott Thomas offer compelling performances, the narrative often veers into melodrama. The film explores themes of redemption and reconciliation, but relies too heavily on clichés.

Audience Reactions

Hayden Christensen’s raw portrayal of teenage angst resonated with many viewers.: Viewers praised the film’s exploration of family dynamics, especially the complex relationship between father and son.

Many audience members were deeply moved by the emotional storyline and the characters’ journeys.: The film’s ability to evoke strong emotions and provide a sense of hope amidst difficult circumstances was widely appreciated.

Overall Consensus: Life as a House is a moving, but sometimes melodramatic, exploration of family, redemption, and the importance of making the most of life. The film boasts strong performances, but some find the storyline predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The video of George and young Sam playing in the surf was shot by Kevin Kline’s wife, Phoebe Cates. She videotaped Kevin and their son Owen on the beach in Bermuda.”
• “William Russ was originally cast as Officer Kurt Walker, but a motorbike crash made him unable to film the rest of his role and was replaced by Scott Bakula.”

🖥️ How to Watch Life as a House?

Life as a House is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as options may vary by region. You may also find it on DVD or Blu-ray from online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Life as a House, you might like these similar films:

• American Beauty (1999): Both films explore themes of suburban disillusionment, fractured family dynamics, and a middle-aged man’s attempt to find meaning in life.
• Terms of Endearment (1983): Deals with family relationships, illness, and emotional reconciliation, capturing a similar poignant tone.
• Ikiru (1952): Shares the theme of a man facing a terminal illness and trying to find meaning and purpose in his final days.

🛒 Life as a House Related Products

• Kevin Kline: A Life in Movies: Dive deeper into the career of Kevin Kline with this biography, exploring his most memorable roles and the impact he’s had on cinema. A great companion for fans of his work in ‘Life as a House’.
• Architectural Model Building Kit: Unleash your inner architect with this detailed model building kit. Inspired by George Monroe’s passion, create your own miniature masterpiece and learn about design principles.
• Hayden Christensen Signed Photo: Own a piece of movie history with this autographed photo of Hayden Christensen. A must-have for collectors and fans of his breakthrough role in ‘Life as a House.’
• Building a Better Life: Inspirational Quotes and Stories: This collection of inspirational quotes and stories echoes the themes of transformation and personal growth found in ‘Life as a House’. A thoughtful gift for those seeking a positive change.

🎧 Soundtrack

Life as a House features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “What You Wish For” – performed by Guster
• “How to Disappear Completely” – performed by Radiohead

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Brad Pitt Reveals Which Movies Made Him Cry | W Magazine

Did you know ‘Life as a House’ made Brad Pitt cry? Check out this interview clip where he shares the touching reason why – it might just make you want to watch the movie again!

Why Hollywood Won’t Cast Hayden Christensen

Ever wondered what happened to Hayden Christensen after Star Wars? This video explains why Hollywood doesn’t cast him anymore, and it highlights his earlier role in ‘Life as a House’ as a key part of his career. Definitely worth a watch if you’re curious about his journey!

𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝑨𝒔 𝒂 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 but only the lines from Hayden Christensen

Love Hayden Christensen’s angsty performance in ‘Life as a House’? This video compiles all of his lines from the movie! It’s a great way to relive his character’s emotional journey and see just how good he was in the role.

Stripped || Sam & Alyssa

Obsessed with Sam and Alyssa’s relationship in ‘Life as a House’? Check out this fan-made video that beautifully captures their connection. It’s a sweet reminder of the movie’s heartwarming moments, despite its other heavy themes!

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