This film is based around the life of workaholic architect George Monroe (Kevin Kline). He has recently been fired from his job and diagnosed with a terminal illness. His ex-wife Robin (Kristin Scott Thomas), fed up with his ways, left him years ago and married a millionaire, Peter (Jamey Sheridan), and has two small sons (Scotty Leavenworth and Mark Weinberg). His son Sam (Hayden Christensen), a teenage Goth turning towards drugs, hates him.

Once upon a time, Monroe dreamed of building a dream house over the decrepit old cottage that he inherited from his hateful and abusive father. This dream house overlooked a cliff but as time passed, he never found the time to fulfill this dream. Seeing that this summer may be his last, Monroe wishes to fulfill this dream and mend broken paths, especially with his son.

While building this dream house, Monroe and Sam experience many father son moments that they have missed out on and George helps Sam come to terms with growing up and coming of age.

In all this film is about family bonding and togetherness and how even when estrangled, some families have the ability to find each other again.

Though the film has a common theme, the film is well taken and heart warming. We rate it as fair