If you can get past its thick layer of syrup and molasses; Secondhand Lions reveals itself as a thoroughly decent family film that anyone can enjoy. It gets a little sappy sometimes; but there's something to be said for a movie in which Michael Caine and Robert Duvall play eccentric old brothers who take the easy approach to fishing: instead of a peaceful rod and reel; they use 12-gauge shotguns. When 14-year-old Walter (Haley Joel Osment; teetering on puberty) spends an eventful summer with his great-uncles on their vast Texas farmland (he's been dumped there by his delinquent mom; played by Kyra Sedgwick); he soon discovers they've lived lives full of adventure; excitement; passion; and mystery. Either that or they're old-time bank robbers with a long criminal record; and writer-director Tim McCanlies (who invested similar warmth into The Iron Giant) does a nice job of concealing the truth until the very end. Full of enriching lessons and homespun humor; Secondhand Lions has more substance than most family films. If you enjoyed Holes; you'll probably enjoy this movie; too. --Jeff Shannon