Review of Life as a House (2001) by Hunter O — 07 Sep 2010

4: I've loved this film ever since the first time I saw it back at Columbia and it's only gotten better since. I'm not sure how many times I've seen it, but it's quite a few, and it never gets old.

Kristin Scott Thomas is a revelation as always. It isn't her greatest performance, but it's up there. Kline is ridiculously perfect for the role. He manages to pull off every comedic and every dramatic scene with equal aplomb.

Malone and Christensen are both terribly solid as well. I'd say this is definitely Christensen's best performance, especially the scene in which he learns of his fathers illness. The rest of the cast is wonderful as well, while the story is both fantastic and inspiring.

I love every minute of it. I'm definitely looking forward to its eventual release on Blu-Ray so I can see it the way it was meant to be seen. It is adequate on DVD, but I suspect the photography and locations will be fantastic on High Def.

I guess I understand why many critics seemed to dislike it, but I'd say they should have relaxed and just enjoyed it. I guess I'm occasionally in the mood for a bit of a tearjerker that lays on the schmaltz.