I had absolutely no interest in this movie, no interest whatsoever. Despite the glowing reviews I've heard, I wasn't gonna see this movie. Maybe it was because it seemed like a chick flick version of a father/son bonding movie, or maybe it was because I don't like the work of the director, Irwin Winkler. Whatever the reason, there was no interest there. The only thing I was mildly curious about was the performance of Hayden Christensen, because he's set to play "Anakin Skywalker" in "Star Wars: Episode Two - Attack of the Clones" (the lucky bastard gets to make out with Natalie Portman). But see, I made the mistake of saying, "you pick the movie, it's completely up to you." You have to be careful when you say things like that. You should anticipate the possibility of being forced to see a movie you wouldn't otherwise wanna see. Well, that's what happened last night.
A few people I spoke to who saw this movie cried during it. I didn't. I'm a wuss, there are movies that have made me cry, but "Life as a House" isn't one of them. Then again, I was all cried out having just finished reading the book "The Elephant Man" (yes, it's the book version of the excellent David Lynch movie). But no, I didn't cry. In fact, I don't think anyone in the theater did. Tough crowd, I guess.
There's a lot in this movie not to like. The unrealistic portrayal of the characters, the dumb-looking suicide attempt early in the film that seemed to be played for laughs, the directing, the TV-Movie feel, the unlikely coincidences, the cheesy, sappy moments, the awkward scenes that seemed REALLY outta place... but I still liked it. The script, though flawed, has plenty in it to like, and the acting is exceptional.
"Life as a House" was directed by Irwin Winkler, and I liked the movie despite him, certainly not because of him. I don't know why he directs, because his strength obviously lies as producer. As director, he's done lame movies like "At First Sight," "The Net," and "Guilty by Suspicion." As producer, he's done all the "Rocky" movies, "Raging Bull," "GoodFellas," and "The Right Stuff." Now it seems like the only movies he produces are the ones he directs. I dunno, I don't hate the guy or anything. I guess I just don't like the shots he selects. As for the writer, that was Mark Andrus, who wrote "As Good as It Gets," with a little help from director James L. Brooks. I'm not sure what I think of this guy as a writer. He definitely has a flair for witty dialogue, as well as creating great characters, but he likes to mix comedy with drama, and he does it in a way that doesn't seem to work. Not to me, anyway. In general, though, I like the script to this movie.
It's the cast who really saves "Life as a House," though. I don't think Kevin Kline has ever been better. You may remember him as the star of "In & Out," "Grand Canyon," and "Dave," Also, he won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his hilarious performance in "A Fish Called Wanda." Hayden Christensen, the next "Anakin Skywalker," plays his son, and he's excellent. He and Kevin Kline work off each other beautifully, and being that the movie is centered mostly around them, their chemistry is crucial, and it's perfect. I'm really happy that Christensen has been selected as "Anakin Skywalker." Good call, Mr. Lucas. Kristin Scott Thomas plays Kevin Kline's ex-wife in the movie, and she's really good. I never really noticed how beautiful the woman is. My God, her face glows! If you don't know who I'm talking about, she was the female lead in "The English Patient" and "The Horse Whisperer." She was also in "Mission: Impossible" with Tom Cruise. Jena Malone is in the movie, and she's really grown up. I last saw her as the young version of Jodie Foster in "Contact," though some may remember her as the teenage daughter in "Stepmom." She's a good actress, but she has a weird look to her that I can't describe. By no means am I saying that she's ugly, because she's not. But she definitely has a unique look.
Even though this movie has a lotta problems, I walked out having enjoyed it. The credit needs to go to the many good things in the script and the wonderful actors and actresses who gave it their all. The most important thing I got outta the movie, however, is that we're all in for a real treat with Hayden Christensen as "Anakin Skywalker" in the upcoming "Star Wars" sequels.
Scale of 1-10: 7