Secondhand Lions (2003)

Released in 2003, "Secondhand Lions" tells the heartfelt story of Walter, a timid young boy who is sent to spend the summer with his eccentric uncles, who are rumored to possess great wealth. Initially, the two grizzled men view Walter as a nuisance, their lives disrupted by his presence. However, as the summer progresses, a heartwarming bond forms between Walter and his uncles, as they share tales from their adventurous past. In turn, Walter's presence revitalizes their lives, allowing them to... well.... OK, how can I put this.... they still remain two very grumpy old men. Although they do become a little softer towards Walter. Hmmmm. Walter's presence revitalizes their zest for life and helps them find the joy in being the cantankerous old men they evidently delight in being.

A key theme explored in the film is the concept of manhood. Walter, lacking any solid male role models in his life, finds himself under the care of his uncles. At first glance, they may seem like entirely undesirable role models, with their rough exteriors and unconventional ways. However, as the story unfolds, we, along with Walter, come to realize that there is much more wisdom and depth to these seemingly gruff old men than initially meets the eye.

One of the most remarkable elements of "Secondhand Lions" is its unique approach to defining masculinity. The film introduces us to Uncle Hub's manhood speech, a powerful monologue he delivers to young men. Despite its significance, the audience is only given a tantalizing glimpse of the speech, leaving us yearning for more. Through this deliberate choice, the film suggests that true manhood cannot be encapsulated in grand speeches, but rather, it can only be truly understood through a life well-lived and experiences gained. Tim McCanlies, the director and writer, has a different perspective, but what would he know. That's just, like, his opinion, man.

"Secondhand Lions" serves as a charming exploration of masculinity, life, and the journey of growing up. It imparts the notion that there is more to manhood than what initially meets the eye, much like the uncles themselves. By the end of the film, we are left pondering, reflecting, and ultimately, tasked with deciding for ourselves what it truly means to be a man. The movie leaves an indelible impression, encouraging us to seek a deeper understanding of masculinity and the complexities that lie within it.



You should not watch Secondhand Lions if...

• You are not comfortable with gunplay and some violent content.
• You or your child are under 7 since there are themes of death and some peril.
• You don't prefer movies with a slow pace that focus on relationships and character development.
• You have an aversion to movies with an element of fantasy or magical realism.
• You dislike stories involving animals, specifically lions.

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with "Secondhand Lions?"I mean, you've got these two old guys, and they bought a lion, not a dog or a cat, a full-grown lion!

That’s not a pet, that’s a liability! It's like they're playing the world's most dangerous game of fetch! Who needs a guard dog when you have a guard lion, right?

And the lion's secondhand? Like it's a used car? 'Yeah, she's got a few miles on her, but she still roars pretty good.'

It's a comedy, it's a drama, it's an adventure. Make up your mind, movie!

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