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Life as a House
User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24

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  1. AG
    Aug 20, 2002
    3
    It goes through the same rhythms that every movie that deals with somebody dying with cancer goes through. The writing is good as some points and very lame at others. Even some subplots don't need to be out in there (Hayden's friend, Hayden whoring himself.) Kevin Kline did give a good performance despite the cheap writing. It's too bad it's just so cliched. Watch the ER episode that deals with Dr. Green and cancer. That's way better than shlock like this or "Walk To Remember" or "Here On Earth", etc. etc.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. CaseyB.
    May 4, 2003
    10
    Very heart felt movie...wonderful...i reccommend it to absolutely everyone.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. BelleW.
    Dec 1, 2003
    10
    One of the best movies ever made. I have yet to see another movie that has been able to touch on so many diverse issues, mostly controversial, and be able to develop several different characters within 2 hours. While the ending was expected it offered a fresh and touching twist.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. MikeH
    Jul 10, 2005
    4
    A constructed and formula driven movie that by the overly melodramatic finale becomes so lost in it's own self-indulgence, it looses any relevance and familiarity with almost all family's it attempt to connect to with a series of unrealistic and poorly realised characters. The rebuilding of the house and simaltaneously of the family was a cliched metaphor also.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. DeanneB.
    May 17, 2002
    10
    A brilliant movie! A movie that boldly explores the complexities of relationships, and inspires viewers. Kevin Kline and Hayden Christensen were truly amazing in this movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. H.
    Jun 11, 2002
    10
    It is something you can't miss.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. Catty
    Jun 14, 2002
    10
    It was SUCH a great mvie. And Hayden Christensen is HOT!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. AndrewT.
    Jun 3, 2002
    5
    Sentimental rubbish, but it has great soundtrack.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. AvH.
    Mar 12, 2003
    10
    This movie rocks!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. CharlesB.
    Dec 20, 2001
    10
    This is one of the best films I have ever seen in my life.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. S.G.
    Apr 3, 2002
    7
    Made directing...but the cast was well picked out. It was the only thing that saved the movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. KathleenS.
    Jun 18, 2002
    10
    Most awesome movie of the year.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. [Anonymous]
    Jun 9, 2002
    2
    Horrific writing.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. LynnetteP.
    Aug 21, 2002
    10
    I thought that it was a real life view of what can happen to kids when families split up.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. CoreyS.
    Oct 3, 2006
    9
    Kevin Kline gives an Oscar-worthy performance in this very underrated drama. Yes, at times it is melodramatic, at times it is quirky and uneven, but isn't that often what life is really like?
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. WhitneyH.
    Apr 28, 2002
    10
    It was a great movie that teaches us to look for the meaning in our own lives! I loved how they used the building of the house to metaphorically stand for the rebuilding of his dilapidated life.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. BrianL.
    Aug 13, 2002
    4
    Wonderful acting, but it can't make up for the cliched story and awful directing. Underestimates its audience way too much.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. superdingo95
    Oct 16, 2011
    4
    It may have some nice performances from Kevin Kline and Hayden Christensen, but that's not enough to make up for the sappy story, some below par supporting performances, and symbolism that a 2 year old could come up with.
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
45 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 32
  3. Negative: 4 out of 32
  1. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Kevin Maynard
    40
    There's really nothing more to this by-the-numbers, ailment-of-the-week fodder dressed up with a classy cast.
  2. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Rita Kempley
    50
    Built with fine materials and boasts a gorgeous ocean view. Unfortunately the family dramedy's design is overblown and the construction is pretty flimsy.
    Read full review
  3. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: David Denby
    70
    Just when this sunshiny and affectionate comedy is beginning to bloom, the inevitable, tear-jerking conclusion closes off the fun like a Venetian blind blocking the light. (29 Oct 2001, p.93)
See all critic reviews »