Secondhand Lions is a family comedy set in Texas. A timid 14-year-old boy goes to stay with his two eccentric uncles. Tim McCanlies is the director and screenwriter. He has attracted attention for his work by writing and directing this movie. He found two great actors Michael Caine and Robert Duvall to act the parts of the two crusty old men, Garth and Hub. Caine and Duvall have done numerous times of such crotchety characters before. However, what these Oscar-winning actors bring to these characters is a fresh approach.
Secondhand Lions is a wonderful story set in 1960’s about Walter (Haley Joel Osment). His singer mother, Mae (Kyra Sedgwick), is unable to have any date and do what she wants with Walter around. Therefore, she wants to drop Walter off. Moreover, there are rumours that Garth and Hub are wildly rich. So Mae wants Walter to look for the fortune. Walter isn’t happy about being left in the middle of Texas with two old men. Garth and Hub are dissatisfied with being disturbed by an innocent boy too. The life of the two uncles is boring and crazy. The only thing they do every day is sitting on their front porch and shooting the visiting salesmen. One day, Walter finds a photo of a beautiful woman and asks Uncle Garth who she is. Uncle Garth then tells Walter about his and Garth’s youthful adventures. Listening to the wonderful and attractive stories, Walter gradually integrates into the two uncles’ lives.
Garth and Hub’s colourful and adventurous experiences affect Walter a lot, letting him know about true love and courage which are very important. Meanwhile, Walter inspires Garth and Hub to start enjoying their retired life. By telling their past, Garth and Hub rediscover the enthusiastic and impulsive spirit of youth. They start seeing their lives from a new angle.
We can learn many meaningful lessons from the two crotchety old uncles of the movie. Although they are strange, their speeches are inspiring. For example, the “what every boy needs to know being a man” speech of Hub really affects people deeply. “People are basically good,” he says “that honor, courage and virtue mean everything. That power and money mean nothing. True love never dies! These are the things worth believing in.” The Secondhand Lions really gives us a new positive way to look at life.
The actors of the movie are fabulous. Michael Caine and Robert Duvall are brilliantly paired. In the movie, they use the shotguns to scare away the uninvited salesmen. That scene is funny and hilarious. Caine and Duvall show how ridiculous and unpredictable the two uncles are successfully. They positive shine acting as the grumpy and bizarre men.
The Secondhand Lions can enchant audiences of all ages. It is a humorous and heartwarming movie conveying great messages. The superb performances of the actors and the absorbing storyline make the movie very attractive. I highly recommend this movie to all of you. Everyone can’t miss it!