We all know them. There’s at least one in every family. That kooky uncle, that marches to his own beat. He’s opinionated, unruly, and challenges the status quo. While uncles are usually there to guide us through life and teach us life lessons with a tender heart and a shoulder to cry on, the crazy uncle does things a little differently. The uncles in INSP’s featured film, Secondhand Lions, are the epitome of crazy uncles. Garth (Michael Caine) and Hub (Robert Duvall) aren’t used to being around kids, and when Walter (Haley Joel Osment) comes to stay with them for the summer, they take an unconventional approach when it comes to taking care of him. With an undefined love language, they teach Walter hard life lessons in their own unique way. So, we took a deep dive to interpret their unhinged behaviors as sound advice for a young man on the brink of manhood. 

1. WHEN YOU SEE THEM, YOU’RE GREETED WITH THE WARMEST WELCOME. 

To avoid disappointment, never set your expectations too high.  

2. THEY GOT YOUR BACK DURING THE SCARY MOMENTS IN LIFE.  

To get over your fears, you must face them head on.  

3. THEY BUY YOU YOUR FIRST PET TO TEACH YOU ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY. 

The key to training an animal is by showing him who’s boss.  

4. THEY ENCOURAGE YOU TO DEVELOP HOBBIES 

It’s important for your health and happiness to find a hobby you thoroughly enjoy.  

 5. THEY LIMIT YOUR SCREEN TIME.  

There’s nothing better than being in the great outdoors and creating your own entertainment.  

6. THEY TEACH YOU THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO CONFRONT A BULLY. 

If you want the bullying to stop, you have to stand up for yourself. The element of surprise always seems to do the job.