Warm and a little syrupy like the old school
films. Lots of green grass, cool summer nights out by
the pond, accented with big production flashbacks to
African horseback sword fights sporting a dashing
Christian Kane as the younger Uncle Hub (Robert
Duvall) spitting in the face of danger like Indiana
Jones. Add to that rich mix a wholesome punchingly
positive theme -- what else could you ask for?
Haley Joel Osment plays a young boy dumped by his
selfish fake-smiling mom onto the front farm porch of
her two oddball uncles. Duvall and Caine, rumored mob
thugs with a large cash stash, prefer long quiet
summer days to relatives. They use their shotguns to
fish and scare away would-be salesmen. Though
initially grudgingly the three agree to suffer
through a supposed short stay together, they
eventually win each other over with glorious stories,
spirit and love.
Performance wise, Haley is fair, Caine rather
miscast, and Duvall stellar as always. The production
quality sputters only a few times like an old single
propeller biplane -- but the story is enchanting and
fun.
"Secondhand Lions" can be compared to "Seabiscuit." While
"Seabiscuit" (the film) breaks the gates with
tremendous thrust, it wanes at the 3/4 mark and
finishes less thunderously. "Second Hand Lions"
maintains a calm collected consistent pace and
finishes strong. If they were to race, they'd
probably tie.
GET the DVD FREE! When
you buy any 3 Ross Anthony books.
Details: Check out Ross Anthony's book
page. For a limited time buy any combination of R.A.
books, purchase quantities of three or more will
receive a free "Secondhand Lions" DVD (all you have
to do is ask nicely for it in the "notes" section of
your PayPal order). Click here for
R.A. BOOKS order info, synopses, reader reviews and
excerpts..
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