On Monday night, my family and I had the privilege of attending a screening of The Odd Life of Timothy Green. My kids have been expressing interest to go to the movies and see it ever since they began seeing commercials for it on TV. Since it is a Disney movie – and I always love Disney films, I was so excited to be able to enjoy this film as a family.
This is one of those movies that when you watch the previews, you really can’t tell where they are going with the topic. “Hmm,” I thought to myself once or twice while watching the trailer, “A boy with leaves on his legs? Am I actually going to be able to take this movie seriously? Exactly how far-fetched is this one going to be?”
Boy was I wrong! This movie was one of those “I cannot believe how much that just pulled at my heartstrings” kind of movie.
Without giving too much away, the movie is about a couple’s deepest desire to have a child, their struggle with infertility and eventually how they continue to strive to become parents through adoption . From the very beginning, I found myself full of emotion for this sweet couple as they are told that they are not able to have children. I cannot imagine my life without my children, so indeed, my heart shattered for them.
Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton are exceptionally engaging and believable in this film. Their chemistry is undeniable and certainly makes this otherwise magical (and almost nonsensical) movie so very believable. CJ Adams truly shines as young Timothy, the boy who you cannot help but fall in love with. With his whimsical ways and his contagious smile, Timothy truly touches everyone he meets, including the audience watching. He brings out the best in everyone and everything around him. His acting is superb and captures that special magic you always seem to find in every Disney film.
The story encompasses the perfect mix of love, strength, disappointment, magic, humor, forgiveness, and pure joy. I found myself glancing over at my children many times during this movie, reminding myself just how blessed I am. It truly is amazing exactly what our children teach us and how much we can learn by slowing down and looking at the world through their eyes. It makes us look at our role as parents and realize what being a parent is all about. It makes us cherish the time we have with our children while they are young and helps us to realize the impression will we will make on them that will last a lifetime.
My husband and 9-year-old son loved the movie as well. As for my 5-year-old, she became a bit restless at times during the movie (which is not surprising since it was an evening film). I’d say this is a wonderful film to enjoy as a family, but it may be wise to attend a matinee or earlier film if bringing young children along.
I am really looking forward to seeing this movie again and hopefully enjoying it with my college age daughter next time around. This time, I’ll be sure to bring tissues! Heck, I’m welling up just reminiscing about the film – must be the “mom” in me.
Disclosure: My family and I received complimentary passes to attend a screening of the movie. All expressed opinions are my own.
Nice review. The performances in this film are what really saved it from eternal damnation but I’m at least glad it’s also a film that the whole family can see, as that’s exactly what I did.