Secondhand Lions - A Movie Review

Always continue to live life’s best adventures.

Released to theaters in 2003, Secondhand Lions centers around a young boy. Dropped off by his irresponsible mother to live with his eccentric uncles for the summer, Walter is fascinated by their past. During this summer, they all learn and grow.

Secondhand Lions was one of my favorite coming-of-age films. I always had a big grin on my face watching this film. That’s the best part about reliving movies. It’s a great adventure story. Secondhand Lions supplies a heartwarming message about family, growing up, and being true to yourself.

Haley Joel Osment is an incredible actor, especially when he was a kid. Finally finding a healthy life, Walter struggles to trust. Osment was profound in his emotional journey. Although, I feel like Osment didn’t get the right direction as he drifts between the behaviors and mannerisms of a child and a pre-teen. Due to puberty, his changing voice range was distracting.

Michael Caine and Robert Duvall stole the show. This film is a wonderful example of how important it is to have a relationship with your uncle. It’s a special bond. While it was Duvall who stood out with exceptional character growth, Caine is there more for exposition purposes. Caine could have had more notable scenes which were given to Duvall.

The character growth in Secondhand Lions is what makes this film what it is. Secondhand Lions has an ensemble of noteworthy characters. In his short appearance, I was impressed with how well Josh Lucas copied the mannerisms and personality of a notable character. I’m surprised that his performance is not talked about more.

Other credits include Kyra Sedgewick, Michael O’Neill, Deirdre O’Connell, Christian Kane, Kevin Haberer, the first film of Mitchel Musso, and an ensemble of dogs, a pig, and a lion. Surprisingly, filmmakers did not believe that they’d have issues with the pig who proved to be more ferocious than the lion.

Tim McCanlies connected to the audience’s inner child. He made the right decision to shoot the film in sequence to establish the dynamic between Walter and his uncles. I also like the way he directed scenes that took place in the past. A layer of the film mirrors a fantasy which is a fun component.

The home where the uncles lived was made up to feel like you were a resident. In actuality, it was a real house. Additions were put on for the film. Filmmakers highly focused on items of significance to have around the home or on the farm. Where you grow up is substantial to your childhood.

Secondhand Lions achieves comedy and drama. The flashback sequences are meant to be cartoonish for a reason. The film delves into its own tone. The actors, specifically Caine and Duvall had excellent comedic timing. It’s all about response.

The sequence where Duvall beats up a gang of boys was hilarious. It is an emotional story. The first time I watched this film I could not stop smiling. It’s all about emotional connection and how you can relate.

Our childhood is the most important time in our lives. I like what McCanlies did to evoke a child’s imagination. Growing up is never easy. Neither is growing old. But that does not mean we should ever stop living our lives. Secondhand Lions encourages you to live your best life. Take responsibility.

We all need a figure to look up to. That’s what I love most about Secondhand Lions. It is an excellent film for kids of all ages. I’m sure that it will become your new favorite once you watch it.