Löwen aus zweiter Hand

Ein entspannter Film, der – obwohl er unter anderem vom Sterben handelt – so optimistisch ist, dass man praktisch vom Anfang bis zum Ende lächeln oder lachen muss. Das hat er vor allem den beiden Onkeln zu verdanken, die von Caine und Duvall ausgezeichnet dargestellt werden. Sie sticheln gegeneinander, sie sticheln gegen andere (und schießen auch oft auf sie), sie sind zynisch und wollen mit niemandem etwas zu tun haben… Und in diese Stimmung kommt ihr Großneffe Haley Joel Osment. Alle drei sind dann Teil einer netten und abenteuerlichen Familiengeschichte, die nicht nur witzig, sondern auch rührend und weise ist. Vier Sterne verdient Löwen aus zweiter Hand auch dank der Musik von Patrick Doyle (in den Vordergrund tritt sie besonders bei Caines Afrika-Geschichten und in den ruhigen, meditativen Momenten).__PS: Was ist mit dem Regisseur Tim McCanlies passiert? Warum hat er keine weiteren Filme gedreht? (21.08.2010)

When the representative for young Forrest Gump was chosen years ago and H.J. Osment was chosen, few probably knew he would someday look like Tom Hanks. In moments when he sits in front of the door in a shirt and trousers, with his hands on his knees, everyone must think of Forrest. It's just a pity that he can't handle intense moments and is at least clumsy in them. Fortunately, the duo Caine+Duvall created the most lovable duo of uncles, and I would even switch places with the main character at times. This educational fairy tale simply works perfectly, and although some scenes (the educational fight in the pub) could be shortened or omitted, I willingly devoured the sentimental finale. 90% (04.03.2006)

The premise is absolutely brilliant. It reminded me of the time when Hollywood was producing those family dramas with a touch of fantasy, like when Tim Burton managed to create Big Fish. But Tim McCanlise isn’t Tim Burton. He had good luck with the movie uncles, who were portrayed here by Michael Caine and Robert Duvall with absolute perfection, but I still couldn’t shake the feeling that a number of important scenes could have been way better. For example, the plot with the lioness. Such a beautiful, sad, and fated story and they cut it off kind of weirdly… as if nothing had happened, even though it was in the premise. The film was really nice to watch. However, I realized after the viewing that I was slightly missing emotions in here and an actual reason to really root for the young Haley Osment. (04.11.2018)