Classics: A Review of Secondhand Lions By Lauren Ennis

 "Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things that a man needs to believe in", aging adventurer Hub McCann instructs his nephew. It is this sentiment that lies at the heart of 2003's coming of age dramedy Secondhand Lions. The film follows a young boy as he learns lessons in life, love, loss, and growing up over the course of one fateful summer. At once a classic coming of age story and a heartwarming family friendly adventure Secondhand Lions is a film the likes of which they just don't make 'em like anymore.

The story begins in 1960's rural Texas with awkward adolescent Walter arriving at the ramshackle farm of his curmudgeonly uncles, the McCann brothers. Despite the brothers' less than warm welcome, Walter's mother, Mae, leaves him with the two aging eccentrics for the summer. When he learns that his mother is not actually at the beauty school she claimed to be attending he realizes that she has abandoned him to pursue her latest boyfriend. Fortunately for Walter, his uncles gradually warm to him and over the course of the summer the unlikely trio become more of a family than Walter and his mother ever were. Their newfound family is soon threatened, however, when Mae returns with her boyfriend in search of the fortune rumored to be hidden somewhere on the farm. Its then up to Walter to put his uncles' lessons into action to keep his new family together.

Secondhand Lions is the rare family film that grows up with its audience. For the youngest viewers the film offers up some of the best swashbuckling action this side of Errol Flynn. For teens the story of Walter's efforts to find his place in an adult world is poignant without becoming overly sentimental. The film captures the experience of growing up with an honesty and bittersweetness that only those who have come of age can fully appreciate. The film also offers a surprisingly mature meditation upon such weighty topics as aging, loss, and regret. Even at is most somber, however, the film maintains a joie de vivre that is nothing short of infectious. For a summer to remember join Walter in Secondhand Lions.

The film brings the whimsical world of the McCann's to vibrant life thanks to the work of its star-studded cast. Kyra Sedgewick expertly blends charm and callousness as Walter's absent mother, Mae. Nicky Katt personifies sleaze as Mae's latest boyfriend, Stan. Emmanuelle Vaugier conveys warmth, wit, and strength in her brief turn as Hub's late wife, Jasmine. Robert Duvall conveys Hub's outward curmudgeonly exterior and inner torment with equal skill. Michael Caine brings his usual wry humor and charm to his role as Garth. Haley Joel Osment proves that he is more than just another one-note child performer as he portrays Walter's journey from awkward, insecure, boy to thoughtful, confident, young man. 

Few films capture the magic, confusion, tragedy, and triumph of growing up with the charm of Secondhand Lions. The script blends warmth, humor, adventure, and emotion to relate a tale the whole family will love. The performances bring each member of the colorful cast of characters to memorable life. Remember what it means to believe with Walter, Hub, and Garth in Secondhand Lions.