Disney movies have always had a touch of magic. Always a story- whether fantasy or not, their movies just have a touch of something that you can’t see with your eyes but rather, you have to allow yourself to feel with your heart to make it real. The Odd Life of Timothy Green is just that kind of film.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green stars Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton as Cindy and Jim Green. A couple who have loved each other since childhood who have been trying to have a child for, apparently, many years. Devastated by the news that they will never be able to have a child of their own, they decide one night to write out every quality and quirk a child of theirs would have and bury all these ideas in a wooden box in the garden. Later than night, a storm hits and the Greens discover Timothy, played by the charming CJ Adams, who claims to have emerged from the garden. With a big leap of faith, and a heart full of hope. The Greens take on Timothy as their own, and begin their journey into parenthood and learn some pretty big lessons.
“THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN” – Photo ID, Cameron “CJ” Adams..Ph: Phil Bray…©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The first time I saw this movie, I had been away from my child for about 4 days and I was missing her like crazy. So, naturally, I balled my eyes out. I saw it again, this time with my own mother and my daughter- and while I didn’t cry, I was able to see the many layers beneath my initial reaction of the film.
First off, the setting is beautiful. A small town somewhere in New England where their main attraction and means of economy is a pencil factory. Everyone knows everyone so it’s no surprise when you find that Jim and Cindy have known each other since they were children. The perfect setting for a little Disney magic.
Overall, this is a movie for parents. It’s a movie for anyone who has a child, wants a child or is thinking about having a child. It’s about 2 very devoted people doing the one thing us humans know how to do better than anyone else- make mistakes. Not only do they make mistakes, but they make mistakes in parenting. As a parent, I know I am my own worst critic. Every single thing I swore to myself I wouldn’t do, I did and everything I wanted to do, I either didn’t or I failed doing it. But that’s ok…that’s what being a parent is. Making mistakes everyday, and learning from them so that you can make new mistakes next time. Most of the time, in my experience, and in The Greens, it’s the mistakes that create those unique memories you will always cherish.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green makes us realize that we should enjoy that very short period of time we have with our kids…their childhood. To treasure those minute playing catch, music recitals, homework help…every single second you can soak up. Life moves so fast, kids grow up and move on in just a blink of an eye. As the Greens learn, it’s not what “parenting style” we use that matters… but rather, how much we love them.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green open August 15th and is rated PG. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Disclosure: I was invited to a media screening for the purpose of this review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
Lovely article! Can’t wait to see it!!
While the movie seems simple, it seems that so much more was involved from the setting to the character choices. I think who you watch it with affects your take on it as well.
I also think childless people/couples may learn a few things from watching this too – like how much it truly can affect someone dealing with infertility or adopted their children for whatever reason.
It is important to treasure each moment with your child. This film made me want to hold mine even closer!