Set in Texas in the 1950s, SECONDHAND LIONS tells the touching story of Walter (Haley Joel Osment), a shy teenager sent to stay with two estranged uncles for the summer. Various rumors surround the two uncles (played by Robert Duvall and Michael Caine), mostly because the duo have only recently resurfaced into family life after 40 years spent carrying out misdeeds and illicit activities. The one fact about the men, of which Walter's mom is only too aware, is that they appear to be extremely wealthy, having stashed over one million dollars in cash at an undisclosed location. After initially balking at Walter's inherent shyness and nervous disposition, the two men soon warm to the child, and proceed to tell him some incredible tales of their adventures.
Director Tim McCanlies lets SECONDHAND LIONS unfold at a leisurely pace, allowing Caine and Duvall to play off each other and slowly bring Osment's character out of his shell. As all the characters become invigorated by the stories and tall tales, a neat bond is formed between them, with some touching interplay and valuable lessons in life for Osment. This is a moving coming-of-age film that the whole family can enjoy.
Theatrical Release Date: September 19, 2003
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Surround Stereo - English
Dolby Digital 5.1 EX - English
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - 1. Tim McCanlies - Director
30 Minutes of Deleted/Alternate Scenes With Optional Director Commentary
Featurettes - 1. "SECONDHAND LIONS: One Screenplay's Wild Ride in Hollywood"
2. "On the Set With SECONDHAND LIONS"
3. "Haley Joel Osment: An Actor Comes of Age"
Theatrical Trailer
7 TV Spots
Visual Effects Comparisons
Easter Eggs
DVD-Rom Features
Executive Producer
Janis Roth Chaskin: Executive Producer, SECONDHAND LIONS (2003)
Director of Photography
Jack N. Green: Director of Photography, SERENITY (2005)
Review 1:
"...Gentle and sweet..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.33 09/19/2003
Review 2:
"...It achieves some touching moments....Haley Joel Osment reconfirms his understated skills..."
Source: Movieline's Hollywood Life
p.117 11/01/2003
Review 3:
"...In McCanlies' deft hands, the emotions are carefully harvested..."
Source: Total Film
p.104 11/01/2003
Review 4:
"...Writer-director Tim McCanlies' feel-good celebration of youth and old age enriching each other is carefully leavened with humor..."
Source: Variety
p.22-3 09/15/2003
Review 5:
"Michael Caine and Robert Duvall play well off each other..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.51-2 12/01/2003