Secondhand Lions

Today's featured Favorite Family Film is a true hidden gem: Secondhand Lions. I don't know why this movie hasn't been more popular, but it is such a great one.Secondhand Lions is about a young boy whose irresponsible (which is really the kindest word you could use for her) mother drops him off with her uncles before heading off to allegedly take some classes. Walter doesn't want to stay with his uncles any more than they want him there, but over the summer, these three come to a place of understanding and mutual respect.But don't be fooled into thinking this movie is "slow." Because there's a lot more depth to this story than meets the eye.One of my favorite things about Secondhand Lions is how it makes use of one of my favorite storytelling devices: the story-within-a-story. If you enjoy movies like The Princess Bride or The Neverending Story, you will probably fall in love with this movie, as well. Because while you watch Walter and his uncles interacting throughout the summer (and the hilarity that ensues involving traveling salesmen, unwanted busy-body relatives, and a truly epic bar-fight... to mention just a few) you will also get to see the story of these two crotchety old men when they were young and adventurous. Garth (Kaine) spends various moments throughout the movie telling young Walter the stories of his and Hub's (Duvall) glory days. Sword-fights, war, acts of daring, the rescue of a beautiful princess, and a battle of wits between young Hub and an evil Prince fill the other side of this story. Along with Walter, you will wonder whether or not the stories are true... while desperately wanting to believe them.Filled with action, adventure, laughter, and overwhelming charm, this is a movie you should definitely take the time to watch if you've never seen it.Secondhand Lions is available to rent through Amazon, iTunes, and Youtube. Or, if you're in WI, you can come borrow it from my collection... as long as you promise to give it back when you're done!