Common Sense Media Review
Stereotypes in otherwise heartfelt coming-of-age drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
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Secondhand Lions
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film has a heartfelt story and offers valuable lessons about unconditional love and family, it contains significant language and mild violence that may not be suitable for younger children. Many appreciate the emotional depth and discussions it prompts, but some express disappointment over the inappropriate content and swear words present throughout the movie.
- language concerns
- family themes
- emotional depth
- age appropriateness
- violence elements
Summarized with AI
Based on 12 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In SECONDHAND LIONS, Walter (Haley Joel Osment) is dumped on the unwelcoming front porch of his two great-uncles, Hub (Robert Duvall) and Garth (Michael Caine), by his flighty mother (Kyra Sedgewick) so she can go to school and learn how to be a court reporter. She tells him that they disappeared 40 years earlier and just mysteriously returned. The rumor is that they have money hidden away somewhere, and she tells Walter to see if he can find it. Hub and Garth are not used to taking care of anyone. They tell Walter that if he needs anything he should find it himself or, better yet, do without it. Walter's already an independent kid, but it's still going to be an adjustment living with his great-uncles.
Is It Any Good?
Duvall and Caine's chemistry carries the film, giving its humor and heartfelt moments an appealing warmth. But Secondhand Lions loses momentum whenever it shifts away from the brothers, particularly during flashbacks that rely on harmful stereotypes that reduce North Africans and women to one-dimensional plot devices. Walter's coming-of-age arc has its charms, but Osment's performance gets stiff before he settles into the role. To some viewers, the film might feel like an engaging family adventure. But its racist and sexist portrayals weigh down the veteran actors' strong performances.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about children's role models in Secondhand Lions. Do you have relatives you look up to? What good qualities have you learned from them?
Do the film's depictions of North Africans ring true? Why do you think they are shown as villains, henchmen, and helpless women? What about female characters—did you notice any stereotypes?
How do the characters demonstrate integrity? Why is it an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 19, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : February 3, 2004
- Cast : Haley Joel Osment , Michael Caine , Robert Duvall
- Director : Tim McCanlies
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Adventures , Family Stories , History ( War: Other )
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, language and action violence
- Last updated : August 14, 2026
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