Thirteen year old Walter has had a hard life, with his no good floozy of a mother getting together with many equally despicable men. Before going on yet another husband-hunting trip, she drops him off at the house of his great-uncles Hub (Robert Duvall) and Garth (Michael Caine). They disappeared for quite a while in their youth, and are rumored to have acquired a great fortune, which Walter's mother hopes to get her hands on if he can ingratiate himself enough to the two cantankerous men. Though reluctant to put up with him at first, Hub and Garth grow to accept Walter, and even tell him fantastic stories of what they were up to while they went missing. When his mother returns, Walter must take charge of his own life, and decide what he's going to do with it
Virtues and Values:
This story is about getting older, finding usefulness in old age and believing in people. It is a great family film that could have strayed to non family-friendly content but it stayed on track to make it enjoyable for all ages. Hub, who is a bit cranky throughout, dispenses wisdom that could spark some conversation between parents and teens about great life lessons. He teaches Walter about having faith in people and making sure one’s priorities are straight.. "Men are basically good," he says. "Courage, honor and virtue mean everything. Money and power mean nothing. Good always triumphs over evil and true love never dies. Those are the things worth believing in." The need to hold true to these strong values is a underwriting theme throughout the film. It is a great one for the whole family full of good laughs and fun family action.
