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Sunday, November 10, 2024

Secondhand Lions, A Must See Movie - 5 Stars!

A MUST-SEE!

Released in 2003, Secondhand Lions is a five-star movie that blends adventure, heart, and humor in a way that few films do.

It's one of the best movies I've ever seen, and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves stories about unlikely friendships, family bonds, and a touch of mystery.

Right from the start, this movie pulled me in with its charm, warmth, and unforgettable characters, and it's stayed with me since I first saw it when it was released.

Secondhand Lions is a true cinematic gem, perfectly balancing lighthearted moments with deeply touching scenes.

The Storyline of Secondhand Lions - What the Movie is About

Secondhand Lions tells the story of a young boy named Walter, who is sent to live with his eccentric great-uncles, Hub and Garth, on their quiet Texas farm.

As Walter spends time with his uncles, he becomes captivated by their outrageous tales of adventure, treasure, and far-off lands.

Through these wild stories and his time with Hub and Garth, Walter discovers the true meaning of bravery, loyalty, and family. They build an extraordinary bond and bring something meaningful into each other's lives.

The film keeps you engaged by slowly revealing its secrets, allowing you to discover each twist and turn alongside Walter.

It's a beautifully layered story that feels both rich and timeless.

The Magnificent Cast

The movie's strength owes much to its talented cast. Michael Caine and Robert Duvall portray the quirky uncles, Garth and Hub. They bring a depth and authenticity that makes these characters come alive.

Caine's Garth is warm and open-hearted, while Duvall's Hub has a gruff exterior yet exudes wisdom and a fierce sense of adventure.

Their on-screen chemistry is remarkable, infusing the story with both humor and heart.

Haley Joel Osment plays Walter, delivering a perfect mix of innocence, curiosity, and courage as he explores this strange new life.

Each actor brings a realness to their role, making every interaction feel genuine and impactful.

Why I Loved This Movie

What makes Secondhand Lions unforgettable for me is its focus on characters and relationships, which feels incredibly authentic.

The movie draws you into Walter's growing connection with his uncles, and it's easy to lose yourself in their journey together.

The ending is especially poignant and rounds out the story in a satisfying and heartfelt way. The acting is first-rate; each performance feels sincere, and that level of commitment is rare.

Few movies make a lasting impression, but Secondhand Lions is one of those rare finds. I've always remembered it, and since first watching it in the early 2000s, I often think about the story and its beautiful, lasting messages.

If you love quirky, character-driven movies, you will surely love Secondhand Lions.

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Secondhand Lions (2003) Movie Review

Secondhand Lions starring Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, and Haley Joel Osment is a fantastic movie! It was released in 2003, but is well worth watching now.

Each week, I take a little time to visit my parents. We select a movie to watch together, eat snacks, and enjoy our time together. This past week, Mom selected the movie. She wanted to watch one of her all-time favorites. While I remembered the name of the movie, I did not remember much about the story line. After watching it again, that is pretty surprising. Secondhand Lions is a fabulous movie!

If you haven't seen it before, or if it has been a long time since you watched Secondhand Lions, I highly recommend seeing it now. It is totally appropriate for mixed company of all ages. I doubt it would be entertaining for young children, but I can't think of a single thing offensive in the movie, although it is rated PG. I'm sure it got that rating for some reason.

Secondhand Lions Movie Synopsis

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The introduction of the movie starts with two old men having a blast flying a bi-plane around the countryside, through and into places not meant for planes. This is the first, but not the last, moment of laughter for us.

The story begins with 14 year old Walter Caldwell (Haley Joel Osment) riding in the car with his mother, Mae (Kyra Sedgwick). They are on their way to Mae's uncles home in Texas where she plans to leaves Walter for a few months while she attends court stenographer school. Even at his young age, Walter is immediately skeptical of her plans. Apparently attending court stenographer school is another questionable idea in a long line of bad ideas and decisions by Mae.

Walter isn't very happy with this decision. He doesn't know his great-uncles, Hub (Robert Duvall) and Garth (Michael Caine). Until this trip, he has never even heard of them. Mae explains that they had "disappeared" for many years, but have turned back up in Texas, believed to be quite wealthy. Driving up to their home, the place doesn't look like it is owned by anyone wealthy, or welcoming.

Staying with his uncles, hearing their fantastical stories of adventure, bravery and extraordinary travels, plus watching the way they behave, Walter doesn't quite know what to make of Hub & Garth. They seem to live by their own rules and don't care one bit what others think of them. They even have a real lion brought in for a lion hunt. Turns out the lion is not up for the chase, but that is as much about the lion as I am going to say. I wouldn't want to ruin the lion fun for you.

By the time Walter's mother returns to pick him up, Walter loves his eccentric uncles and he can clearly see the truth about many things.

Secondhand Lions is a movie that will make you laugh often, perhaps cry a bit, and leave you feeling good. This is a must-see movie! Even if you have seen it before.

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Friday, October 31, 2014

The Judge starring Robert Downey, Jr. & Robert Duvall ~ A Movie Review

A Highly Recommended, Must See Movie!

Rarely do I go to the theater to see a movie and come away feeling like I actually saw a movie worth viewing. It is especially rare for both my husband and myself to equally rave over a movie.

I didn't expect to really like The Judge. I was mostly going to be with my husband and The Judge is the movie he had selected. I should have known with a cast that included Robert Downey, Jr., Robert Duvall, Vincent D'Onofrio and Billy Bob Thornton, that the movie would be outstanding.

It was actually better than outstanding, and I can highly recommend it.

The Characters in The Judge

Hank Palmer (Robert Downey, Jr.) is a tough, hard-hitting successful defense attorney who is known for defending criminals and winning. When his mother dies, he has to go back home for the funeral for the first time in years where he almost immediately comes face to face with the past and a father, Judge Joseph Palmer (Robert Duvall), who seemed to always be disappointed in his middle son.

By GabboT [CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The oldest son, Glen, masterfully played by Vincent D'Onofrio, never moved away from their home town. He is married with children, owns a auto tire shop and has spent his life being a dependable, respectable, basically good guy.

There is also a younger brother, Dale, who is mentally handicapped and is obsessed with making home videos. Another character who is very easy to like.

Brief Synopsis of the Movie, The Judge

On the evening of their mother's funeral, a once convicted murderer who was sentenced by Judge Palmer, is killed. Judge Palmer is accused and charged with the murder. As it becomes abundantly clear that the "nice" defense attorney Judge Palmer has hired is no match for Dwight Dickham (Billy Bob Thornton), the Judge has no choice but to rely on his son, Hank, to defend him.

The Judge actually makes defending him very difficult for Hank because his wants to preserve his reputation and insure that the decisions he has made in the cases he has presided over will not be challenged.

Review of the Movie, The Judge

So many movies today are very surface. They are all about the blood and gore, sex or sensationalism.

That is simply not the case with The Judge. The movie has a real, "old fashioned" plot!

As a viewer, you feel like you actually get to know the characters. Each of these men do such a superb job of playing their roles, that you forget that they are actors on a screen and cry, scream or rant right alone with them.

There are several touching, revealing scenes in this movie. Almost like real life. You think you know someone and what makes them tick, only to find out that you were mistaken about their motivation. Why they made certain decisions and judgements. How simply reminding a person of someone we know, can alter the way we treat an individual. That is amazingly realistic.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a movie that has a real story line that may even make you question your own judgement, you will love this movie too. Personally, I always enjoy a movie that makes me introspective, one that causes me to seriously think, not just sit back and be visually stimulated.

In my opinion, "The Judge" is a 5 star, must see movie!