The James Logan Courier

By Julie Mendoza, Courier Staff Writer

One of my favorite heartfelt movies is Life as a House. It's not a new film, having been released in 2001, but don't let that be an excuse to miss it. You can watch it free online via YouTube.

Every aspect of this film pulls you into the dysfuctional family and how suddenly everything can change.Hayden Christensen plays San Monroe, the rebellious, destructive, scared, and confused teenager wreaking havoc at home.

His life might have stayed dangerously broken if his father, played by Kevin Kline, hadn't made an unexpected appearance in his life. After discovering he has terminal cancer, Sam's father suspiciously decides to take him for an entire summer to help him build a house.

Slowly, the hopeless teen begins to understand the symbolic and spiritual changes of tearing down a house of unhappy memories and building a new one. He subconsciously forgives his absent father.

Reaching a climax, Sam discovers the heartbreaking truth behind his father's good intentions. In the duration of one summer an entire family discover themselves again and regains what was lost. Having nothing to lose establishes life as something beautiful, no longer blinded by what was never important. You'll recognize the young actors and their performances that made them successful.

Life as a House is directed by Irwin Wrinkler and written by Mark Andrus. It's a wonderful family film and often touches its audience.