OK for kids 8+
Tearjerking family drama about the magic of raising a kid.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Odd Life of Timothy Green is a Disney family film that uses "magical realism" to explain how an infertile couple gets to parent the kid of their (literal) dreams. As you might expect from the premise, the movie gets pretty weepy at times (for both on-screen and off-screen parents), but it will remind families about the joy of being together and being each other's biggest cheerleaders. There are a couple of sad scenes, as well as some bullying incidents and language, but otherwise this is the sort of live-action movie that kids and adults can enjoy together, even if they need a tissue or two by the end.
- Families can talk about The Odd Life of Timothy Green's emphasis on parent-kid relationships. How does Timothy get along with his parents more than most on-screen kids?
- How does the movie portray bullying? Did the Greens handle Timothy's humiliating incident as you would have expected? What are some positive ways to handle bullying?
- What do you think of the story's magical elements? Would you have preferred it to end a different way? Why do you think Timothy's time with the Greens was temporary?
The good stuff
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Messages: Some sweet messages about family, parent-child relationships, and the joys of living in a small town where everyone knows each other. Timothy makes people think, isn't afraid to tell the truth when no one else will, and has no problems being different.
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Role models: The Greens are wonderful parents. They're caring, encouraging, and love him unconditionally. Timothy himself is as magical as you'd expect: earnest, kind, and generous in spirit, without a mean bone in his body. He always tells the truth and sees the beauty in everything. He's an optimist and unafraid of failure. He's a sweet example to kids about always looking at the bright side.
What to watch for
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Violence: Some kids will be disturbed by the fact that Timothy magically disappears, just as he first appeared. It's an emotional, upsetting scene, and tears should be expected. A grandfather dies in front of his loved ones in a hospital. Timothy is bullied/humiliated by classmates but doesn't realize it, since he's never been in school. Joni saves Timothy from drowning at a birthday party.
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Sex: Brief kisses between Mr. and Mrs. Green, and Timothy and Joni have a unique, incredibly close relationship that could be construed as a strong crush.
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Language: Very sparing "hell" and "oh God" (as an exclamation), plus mild insults like "stupid," "loser," "freak," etc.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The Greens have lots of wine on the night they dream up all their wishes for a child.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A Warm and Genuinely Entertaining Family Movie. by Alon Patterson
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The story, albeit implausible, was well crafted, fun to watch and emotionally moving. I see literally hundreds of movies each on screens all around the world. It's what I do. Rarely, do all the right things come together to make a solid family film without special effects, elaborate animation or some other manufactured stimulant to keep the audience sensationalized. In other words, it's the rare movie that can capture the imagination, entertain and actually make you feel good, and do all of those things with a good play, well photographed and executed with solid talent. This is one of those films. In my opinion, given the sophistication of today's kids, I say it's kid safe and family friendly but it does have a PG rating (not sure why) so keep that in mind. Otherwise, see it. You definitely won't be disappointed.
5
A VERY SPECIAL FILM by wildman92832
I love all types of movies. From the trailers, I was not too sure about this one, but then I read a review here that said it was "the PERFECT movie" in every way. I I decided to give it a chance. The reviewer and I agree - it was PERFECT. Acting, writing, directing, sound/music, script, etc. One person here said it was "sad" - and yes in some ways it is...but they are missing the whole message of the film. I believe we need ALL TYPES of movies (especially if they are well made!) - and it is exciting to see a WELL MADE "Family" movie!!
5
Odd Life of Timothy Green by JudyE65
This was a very cute movie, different, and I really liked it. I took my 6 year old granddaughter and her 9 year old friend and they both really liked it. No scarey parts, just a good old story of a family's love.
5
The clips on tv do not do this movie justice by Judeaca
Took my son for his 10th birthday with a bunch of famiily and it was between this and Diary of a Wimpie Kid. I was glad my son opted for this movie. Usually I am very antsy and get sleepy in kids movies but not with this movie. I was pleasantly surprised, it was really good, especially if you are a parent. This is a definite must see and it has a hidden message for all parents in this time where we expect our kids to be so perfect
5
The Odd Life of Timothy Green by b-k-w
LOVED IT!! This movie is appropriate for all ages. Definately a feel good movie for the whole family. The acting was excellent and the little boy who plays Timothy is precious.
5
Odd Life of Timothy Green - A MUST SEE by culpepperdc2
I took my 3 grandchildren (ages 6,7 & 9) to see this movie and it did not disappoint. From the parents wanting a child, Timothy showing up and everything in between kept our attention from beginning to end. The cast was superb (especially the character who played Timothy) the plot was easy to follow and the ending was wonderful but sad. As we were leaving the theater, my youngest, Dylan, said he only cried a little bit. After we left the theater, we stopped by for Chinese take-out and as I was looking for my wallet, I found a leaf. It was the weirdest thing because there was no reason for a leaf to be in my purse. This movie was like a miracle for us! We give it a 10+ Debbie Culpepper
4
Cute! by rgon16
The story is definitely a little odd, but you can't help falling in love with Timothy. He is the cutest little boy ever and the movie all around is heart warming. You will definitely tear up a bit (several different times). It's a wholesome family movie.
4
Touching film by Catalina.walker
My family and I enjoyed this deeper topic of infertility. My 8yr old was apprehensive, but did enjoy the humor Timothy brought to the plot. I enjoyed the unexpected character...the pencil. The writer did a great job bringing in the small town feel of this quaint town. I loved seeing Jennifer Gardner on the big screen. It's a clean movie, with a deeper plot than children are used to. I would recommend it.
4
Great movie! by alirae92
This movie was everything I expected it to be, there was a little kid sitting in front of us who ended up crying because he was so touched. Go see it!!
4
Sweet movie! by adoptamom
This movie lived up to my expectations after seeing the promos on TV. My five and seven-year old grandchildren loved it and it held their attention for the entire movie. I was pleased that it was a real movie...not a cartoon...and that there was no violence like with last summer's creepy big CARS movie.
This was a sweet story with solid messages for kids (and all of us) to remember.