Life as a House

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Life as a House

R

2001

2h 4m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

47%

Tomatometer

105 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

"Life as a House" is the poignant, often humorous journey of one man who decides to tear down his house -- and winds up rebuilding the world around him. From the day he picks up his sledgehammer, George Monroe embarks on a grand adventure that will shatter expectations and build a foundation for many different dreams among his family and neighbors.

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Critics Consensus

A manipulative tearjerker, Life as a House benefits from fine performances from the cast.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/25/2010

3/5

Uneven but moving story of reconcilliation.

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Rick Groen

Globe and Mail

03/19/2002

2/4

Gauged strictly by the gag-factor, a more honest title might be Life as a Basement Apartment with Bad Light and a Dank Smell.

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Jamie Russell

BBC.com

03/18/2002

1/4

As a drama it's insipid, maudlin junk that'll have you reaching for the sick-bucket rather than the Kleenex.

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

06/02/2011

C+

This father-son melodrama is well acted, but it's too solemn and too concerned with being inspirational

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Betsy Bozdech

DVDJournal.com

11/09/2006

2.5/4

When it's not veering into cheesiness, this well-acted tale of redemption has some affecting scenes and moments of genuine drama.

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Film Threat

12/06/2005

3/5

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Frank M

Nov 25

Life as a House may not be for everyone, but I loved it. I had never heard of it but watched it because I am a Kevin Klein fan. I am so glad I did. I am amazed that it is never listed as one of Kevin Klein's best movies.

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Randall F

Oct 28

Achieves an intimacy rarely seen in a star-laden Hollywood drama.

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Owen S

Jul 21

A very complex film that tackles a lot of dark themes but does it in a wonky way. The film aged pretty poorly and feels like a 2000s period piece however I do really enjoy this movie. It tells a great story narratively but some plotlines feel weirdly done like the 16 year old girl kissing his dad? and then the dad being happy about it? That and the girls boyfriend getting with her mom is very off-putting to an otherwise would have already tackled a lot movie

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Courtney K

@c0urtn3y Jan 12

really nice, heartwarming story.

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Daniel N

Dec 13

Loved this. Slow burn comedy drama with great writing, great characters and a great story. You can't help but fall in love the characters. A real feel good story that also leaves you with a tear in your eye.

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b b

04/05/2024

There is of course better written movies, but there is something special about this one that resonate deep withing me. Not sure what makes this movies so special to me, but it's one of those movies I can't stay away for long before I feel the need to watch it again.

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Irwin Winkler

Director

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George

Kristin Scott Thomas

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Synopsis

"Life as a House" is the poignant, often humorous journey of one man who decides to tear down his house -- and winds up rebuilding the world around him. From the day he picks up his sledgehammer, George Monroe embarks on a grand adventure that will shatter expectations and build a foundation for many different dreams among his family and neighbors.

Director: Irwin Winkler
Producer: Rob Cowan, Irwin Winkler
Screenwriter: Mark Andrus
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: Winkler Films
Rating: R (Language|Drug Use|Sexuality)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 26, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 25, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $15.6M
Runtime: 2h 4m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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