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As you would expect Kline leads the pack in yet another wonderful
performance as George Monroe, a model builder for an architect's
firm who finds his life turned upside down by retrenchment
and an inoperable and fatal illness.
He decides to knock down his eyesore shack on a California
clifftop and build a new house with his estranged son Sam
(Hayden Christensen), who is having difficulties with his
mother Robin (Scott-Thomas) and her new hubby.
And they aren't the only hassles in the young lad's life
as he is well down the slippery slope of drug and intoxicant
abuse and is nearing suidical levels.
George tries to straighten him out and off the drugs but
the early days of the pair being cooped up in cramped conditions
- a garage while they build the new house - are serious tests
for both.
Christensen is excellent as the moody, bratty hard-done-by
teen who feels the world is against him (is that tautology?)
and you just want to give him a kick in the pants to wake
his ideas up. Mind you, I also wanted to give Kline's character
a kick in the backside for not telling anyone he hasn't long
to live!
Throw a radiant Scott-Thomas into the mix as a woman who
can't stand her new marriage and is still in love with George
- not to mention about half a dozen other subplots - and you
have plenty of things to keep your interest.
The video transfer is very good - sharp images, rich colour
and few artefacts - and the dialogue is crystal clear.
Life as a House will bring a few tears to the eyes
- particularly the relationship between the father and son
- but it never strays into maudlin territory.
This is excellent viewing for guys, gals, parents and teenagers.
Conclusion: 85% Extras: 80%.
Continued: DVD
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