neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Secondhand Lions
	Tim McCanlies Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, Haley Joel Osment, Kyra Sedgwick, Nicky Katt, Josh Lucas 2003		The joy of watching seasoned, revered actors Michael Caine and Robert Duvall play off of one another would be enough to justify the making of "Secondhand Lions," a family film from writer/director Tim McCanlies. As two aging, antisocial Texan brothers who share a run-down farm, Caine and Duvall look dissimilar, but have fun with the material. "Secondhand Lions," a hyperbolic coming-of-age drama with feisty comic moments and a larger-than-life backstory, strikes genuine notes of warmth. Walter (Haley Joel Osment of "The Sixth Sense"), a benevolent, perspicacious 14-year-old, is taken for granted by Mae, his selfish single mom (Kyra Sedgwick). Eager to free herself from parental duties and hit the road, Mae brings Walter to spend the summer out in the boonies with his eccentric great-uncles Garth (Caine) and Hub (Duvall). She's convinced that the geezers have stashed away a fortune. If Walter sucks up to Garth and Hub, Mae figures they'll put him in their will, and she can cash in. Reluctantly warming up to Walter, the uncles inspire him with far-fetched tales about their heroic days in Africa. By his presence, Walter gives them someone to teach about life and to love. It's corny, but the corn is sweet.