Secondhand Lions is a film about western life. The director is Tim McCanlies. The main characters are Walter (Haley Joel Osment), Uncle Garth (Michael Caine) and Uncle Hub (Robert Duvall). The story happens on the deserted farm of the two old men.
Walter, a boy who is dumped off by his mother, is left with the eccentric Hub and Garth, who are rumored to have a hidden fortune. Walter needs to spend his summer with his uncles in an isolated cottage. When he arrives, Hub and Garth are knee-deep in their pond, shooting at bass with shotguns. The outlandish behaviour of the two old men scares Walter away, and he runs to call his mother but he can’t contact her, so he has no choice but return to his uncles’ farm. Meanwhile, Hub, Garth and Walter have adventures of their own.
I think the characters are not only realistic but also funny. The love between the two generations is well depicted and is very warm. Threatened by his mother’s boyfriend to tell the hiding place of his uncles’ money, Walter still trusts his uncles and refuses to betray them. The scene in which Walter returns to his uncles’ farm is especially touching. The two uncles are not always strange and threatening. The scene in which uncle Hub beats four young men hollow is entertaining. Are uncle Hub and uncle Garth also real “lions” although they seem old and weak at their age? The film also contains the unusual magical sound effect which makes some of the scenes further comical.
This story is really exciting and enjoyable. Overall, I think it is an outstanding film. I strongly recommend this movie to you. It is a meaningful story and is easy to understand. Therefore, don’t miss the chance to have fun with your family!