As an e4 player, I must confess that, as others have said in the past, playing against the French can be depressing.  I just don't get the type of positions I like.  Years ago I played the French as black and for some reason switched to the Sicilian but thinking of going back.  

What is the status of this variation to the best of anyone's knowledge and does White get any sort of advantage.  I am really wondering if it is worth building a repertoire around for a player rated under 2000 USCF.

1. e4 e6
2. d4 d5
3. e5 c5
4. c3 Nc6
5. Be3....

Any thoughts on this variation?

Thanks a lot!

YD