MOVIE - SECONDHAND LIONS - Review Rating $$$$$ $$ (OUT OF 10)

STARRING - Michael Caine (Garth), Robert Duvall (Hub), Haley Joel Osment (Walter) & Kyra Sedgwick (Mae).

DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER - Tim McCanlies (Dancer, Texas)

The charm of Secondhand Lions is rooted in its affirmation of the need to be needed and have and believe in heroes. The mutual benefits that flow from the development of the relationship between Walter (Osment) and his eccentric Uncles (Caine and Duvall) reminds us of the importance of generational connectivity. It's hard, watching Secondhand Lions, not to be reminded of the childhood wonderment that allowed us, at that age, to idolize our parents and/or grandparents etc.

Another intriguing aspect of the movie is that it makes you think about how swashbuckling heroes age. I couldn't help but make the connection between Uncle Garth and Hub and the characters in the 1975 movie The Man Who Would Be King (review) also starring Caine and Sean Connery. If those two characters hadn't succumbed to the "cult of personality" they may well have lived out their golden years in a similar fashion.

Its recent events, and not the larger than life historical flashbacks, where Secondhand Lions falters. The story lines, involving Walter's less than devoted single mother and the nasty in-laws, put an unnecessary sour spin on an otherwise uplifting morality play and are clearly the least enjoyable moments in the film.

A further distraction is Osment's growth spurt. No doubt it caused much consternation for the producers as well. Lean, somewhat awkward and definitely no longer "cute" Osment has outgrown this type of role.

In the final analysis Secondhand Lions is a charming family movie, with a PG rating, that's a bit too cute at times.

Running time - 107 minutes

Check out my TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2003 & WORST MOVIES OF 2003 lists.

Alternative Reviews:

Roger Ebert's Review

Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

Secondhand Lions Official Web Site

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