Crazy Uncles, Lions & An American Michael Caine (Secondhand Lions (DVD))

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Secondhand Lions (DVD)
Date:	19/09/09 (41 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comical, easy to watch & quite heartwarming

Disadvantages: Nothing in particular

I hadn't heard of this film before a few weeks ago when it was shown on TV, and although the synopsis in the tele guide didn't really spark my interest in it, I watched it after my mum recommended it.

Secondhand Lions was released on DVD in 2004 and has a strong cast with the three lead characters being A-list names.

This film falls within the comedy genre, and has a feel-good nature, which is suitable for family viewing with a PG rating.

Set in 1950's Texas, the film is based around 3 main characters, one of which is a young teenage boy played by Haley Joel Osment. Osment is sent to live with rich 'uncles' (distant relations) for the summer by instruction of his mother, whose motivations lie in getting her hands on their money.

These 'uncles', played by the great Robert Duvall and Michael Caine, live in a deserted house with acres of land. Regarded as being a bit strange and somewhat dangerous, shooting at salesmen who frequent their house trying to convince them to part with some of their fortune, the 'uncles' are unsure of how to deal with a young boy.

What starts off as an awkward introduction, the two men and young boy in tow spend their time getting to know one another. Absurd tales are told by the 'uncles', making them seem all the more strange, until we see a warmer friendship blossom between them all.

Throughout the 109 minutes of running time, this film takes us on Haley's summer holiday with his 'uncles' as they recount their wild stories and we learn of their secret fortune. We also see how people crawl out of the woodwork to try and get their grubby mitts on the money.

Duvall and Caine form a very strong duo in this film, working off each other wonderfully and being very funny to watch. Osment compliments the pair well, being naïve and yet showing compassion for these two men whom he hadn't met before being dumped with them by his mother.

The script is comical, and although it didn't get my laughing out loud all the way through (unlike my mum, who is easily pleased by Duvall and silly humour!), it was entertaining to watch.

Each scene flowed and was directed well, and with the excellent casting, Secondhand Lions has a quality feel to it. It was strange to hear Caine play a Texan, but he did so convincingly and every character/scene consequently fitted well within the film.

Although this isn't a film I would have otherwise have watch if it wasn't for it being recommended to me, this is something I enjoyed watching. I'm giving it 4 stars because it was a good film, albeit one I wouldn't rush to watch again. It's quite uplifting, heart-warming and comical, whilst being easy to watch.

Summary: A family-friendly film that will warm your heart & make you laugh