Secondhand Lions (2003)

	Directed by: Tim McCanlies	COUNTRY USA GENRE Drama/Comedy/Adventure NORWEGIAN TITLE Secondhand Lions RUNNING TIME 111 minutes
	Produced by: David Kirschner Scott Ross Corey Sienaga
	Written by: Tim McCanlies

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Garth	Michael Caine
Hub	Robert Duvall
Walter	Haley Joel Osment	½
Mae	Kyra Sedgwick	½
Stan	Nicky Katt
Adult Water	Josh Lucas
Sheik's Grandson	Eric Balfour

Review

This good-natured, simple and delightfully charming film captures the spirit of those old, classic adventures. Forget formulaic fantasy films filled with wizards, witches and magic, the fairytale in Secondhand Lions doesn't simply provide escapism, but also a touch of inspiration. That doesn't mean the film is particularly important, layered or even well-balanced. Filmmaker Tim McCanlies' direction is uneven, and his storytelling and allegories at times feel banal or sophomoric, but the spirit of the film never disappoints. There are few more charming milieus to portray than small-town America in the 1950s and 1960s, and Secondhand Lions looks incredible in this respect. The vivacity and colours pull you in and transport you away with magnetic allure, and the experience is elevated by delightful, introspective performances by its veteran stars Michael Caine and Robert Duvall, and an intelligent, emotional turn from young Haley Joel Osment. At its best, Secondhand Lions is a fine example of high-spirited filmmaking with a simple purpose. McCanlies' execution is flawed, with a couple of unnecessarily one-dimensional characters and, more importantly, a weak, overly explicative ending. Still, anyone willing to lower their guard will have a great time with this.