Secondhand Lions, 2003

THURSDAY MOVIE CONNECTION

Robert Duvall- Josh Lucas



Director: Tim McCanlies

Stars: Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, Haley Joel Osment, Kyra Sedgwick, Josh Lucas

I love this film.

Walter (Osment) is sent by his selfish mother (Sedgwick) to live with her bachelor uncles Hub (Duvall) and Garth (Caine). Hub and Garth reluctantly take him in, and eventually grow to like him, since he seems to get on the nerves of other relatives who are just coming over to get into the men's wills. Rumor has it, Hub and Garth have millions stashed away somewhere.

A lot of the movie is Garth telling Walter the story of Hub and Garth's lives: how they traveled to Europe, fought in the French Foreign Legion, and lived in Africa. Tales of action, adventure, romance!

This movie is beautiful from start to finish. I can't do it justice at all. You'll love it.

The Muppet Christmas Carol, 1992

Director: Brian Henson

Stars: Michael Caine, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzy Bear, Rizzo the Rat, and Gonzo the Great as Charles Dickens (also David Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, and Frank Oz)

Yes, the Muppets take on the Dickens classic like you've never seen it before! Come to think of it, this has got to be one of the most used Christmas stories EVER! Everyone has a version of this!

Anyway, the Muppets version has always been my favorite, and soon it will be your favorite, as well. Ebenezer Scrooge (Caine) hates Christmas and everything to do with it, but after he is visited by 3 ghosts (actually 5 because there are two Marleys in this version, and they show up first to warn him about the other ghosts- and they are HILARIOUS), and is shown what Christmas is really about, he begins to rethink his ways. I guarantee it will warm your heart!

I love how the credits in the beginning don't mention the actors, but the Muppets. Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchett, Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchett, Rizzo the Rat as Himself, etc. I love the Muppets!

Cars 2, 2011

Director: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis

Stars: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Eddie Izzard, Bruce Campbell

I loved Cars so much! It was basically the story of Doc Hollywood (starring Michael J. Fox-- there's another movie I need to review) except with cars instead of people- and with an absolutely wonderful soundtrack! That soundtrack was half the charm, I swear.

Cars 2 is about the friendship between Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) and Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson). When they all head to Asia and Europe for the World Grand Prix, Mater accidentally stumbles into an international espionage mission, involving the new fuel all the racers are using, which was created by Sir Miles Axelrod (Eddie Izzard), and a plot to destroy Lightning McQueen!

In this one, I was more interested and amused in recognizing and enjoying the voices of the actors. I had no idea that Michael Caine voiced the main spy car (until I heard him utter one word, of course); and when I heard a few insults coming from one of the good spies while he was basically being tortured, I instantly recognized Bruce Campbell! But the best moment was when I realized that Eddie Izzard was the voice of Sir Axelrod! I just love that.

Don't get me wrong- it was totally entertaining!