Secondhand Lions - Movie Review

Be aware that there is a significant difference between the reviews and recommendations on this blog. Just because I review a book, TV show, or movie does not mean I recommend it. I am simply analyzing the work and giving my honest opinion of it, as well as providing key points such as the plot summary, age appropriateness (if the reader should choose to read or watch it), and anything else that's noteworthy.

Secondhand Lions, a movie starring Michael Caine and Robert Duvall, is sure to become your new favorite family friendly comedy. The actor-duo makes the show memorable, while the plot serves to entertain and heighten the fun. After all, not every show features a lion bought secondhand.

Walter is horrified when his flighty mother dumps him off at his crazy, filthy rich great-uncles' house. While she's gallivanting in Vegas trying to find a man, he's stuck with Uncle Hub and Uncle Garth, who spend their days shooting and buying obscure things, like a female lion, which they got secondhand.

Slowly the three warm to each other and Uncle Garth begins to tell Walter stories about his and Hub's wild youth. At first Walter doesn't believe a word of it; nobody has adventures like that. But if the stories aren't true, where did Hub and Garth get their money? The rumors say they robbed a bank. Is it true, or are the true robbers the ones looking for the untold wealth?

The movie is unique, to say the least. At first I was prepared for the typical city-boy-turn-country trope, with cozy small towns and cute girls that eventually convince the boy to stick around. However, I was wrong. While Walter does have to adjust to farm life, it's not the main focus of the movie.

Few stereotypes appear and the content is original. Hub and Garth are the most ornery but loving great-uncles you'll find. As the movie progresses you can see Walter grow up and mature, which is good, because it'll help him in the climax. There are some fights involving swords or knives, but no graphic violence.

There is some language and Walter's mom flits from one man to the next. It's implied her previous lovers have been abusive, but nothing is shown or discussed.

The movie is rated PG and is good for most ages.