by Tyrion Lannister

“I’m Hub McCann. I’ve fought in two World Wars and countless smaller ones on three continents. I’ve led thousands of men into battle with horses and swords, artillery and tanks. I’ve seen the headwaters of the Nile and tribes of natives no white men had ever seen before. I’ve won and lost a dozen fortunes, killed many men, and loved only one woman with a passion”

Written and Directed by Tim McCanlies, the writer behind The Iron Giant, Dennis the Menace, Smallville and the upcoming Around the World in 80 Days, Secondhand Lions is a movie about childhood, and what it means to be a man; but more than that, it is a movie about parenting.

Haley Joel Osment plays Walter; a 13 year old dumped by his irresponsible mother on two eccentric Texan uncles, Hub (Robert Duvall) and Garth (Michael Caine). What unfolds is a grand adventure in the backyard of a central Texas small-holding; interwoven with tales of the grand adventures of Hub and Garth as young men.

This is a wonderfully exuberant film; it revels in the pleasures of life. Walter unravels the mystery that is his uncles and we all come along for the ride.

When I was child, my parents were super-heroes. I firmly believed there was nothing they couldn’t do; that my father was the cleverest, strongest man that ever lived; that my mother was the best singer in the world, and told the funniest jokes. When I was with them I felt invulnerable. I felt safe to be myself.

Walter is in desperate need of super-heroes in his life and he discovers them in Hub and Garth. Once that happens he is able to open up and learn from them how to get the most from every day.

At the start of this piece I stated that this movie was about parenting, yet I have not supplied too much supporting evidence well, that is for you to experience for yourselves while watching it. There are so many things that this movie is about that there will be something different for each person that sees it; some underlying truth that resonates with them individually; and that is what makes this a great experience for every member of the family. No matter what your age, you’ll find this film an uplifting, thoughtful, fantastic adventure that is over way too soon.

Now I’ve grown up I have discovered something wonderful. My father is still the cleverest, strongest man that ever lived, and my mother is still the best, funniest singer in the world. They are still superheroes.

Go do something everyday-heroic with your kids, take them to see some true quality American culture oh, and buy them the horrible snacks and fizzy drinks they so desire. Even if they hate the movie, they’ll dig that.

Kid Factor

This movie is fast paced with enough action to keep most children hooked. There are a couple of speeches where I would have thought my 4 year old would be tempted to get up and run about – but such is the charisma of Caine and Duvall that he sat perfectly still throughout. Enrapt.

All the violence is within context and not too explicit (there is a terrific fight scene with an elderly Duvall and some youths which ameliorates its explicitness with humor). The language is, on the whole, restrained, but there is some cursing.

Children of all ages will identify with Walter. Just don’t give into demands to get them a lion of their very own. This film needs to be seen on the big screen – it just won’t have the same impact on DVD – if you can, try to see it with your children at the local theater.

Reviewer’s Recommended Age: 10+
MPAA Rated PG for thematic material, language and action violence

Tags: Movies with Children