Last night I kind of felt like one of the “cool people” because we got invited by Disney to attend an advance screening of “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.”
The kids were excited that they got to go to a move AT NIGHT, because that’s basically unheard of in this house. Four kids means matinee all the way baby!
They had a million questions about what a screening was, why we didn’t have to wait in line, why we got reserved seats and it nearly drove me crazy.
But it was totally worth it.
First I have to say that I’m a huge Jennifer Garner fan. Have loved her ever since her Alias butt-kicking days! She’s great in the film and CJ Adams (who plays Timothy) is PERFECT in the role and too cute – like want-to-adopt-him-yourself cute.
The basic premise of the film is that after Cindy and Jim Green have been told they’ll never have children they dream about what their child would be like. They write it all down, put it in a box and bury it in the garden. Cue scary wind, weird lightning and rain that only falls on their house. Here enters Timothy – fresh from the garden.
He is exactly the kid they dreamed up – honest to a fault, loving, etc. and he touches the lives of several people throughout the film, including Cindy & Jim of course.
There were several great messages in this film – it’s okay to be different, enjoy the small magical moments in your day (like the sunshine on your face), never give up on your dreams…
If you’re looking for an accurate portrayal of the adoption process you are NOT going to find it here, obviously. But let go of reality for a bit and you’ll be caught up by this magical movie.
That said, it does touch on some very real adoption issues (like people who ask you which ones are your “real kids”), helping children fit in and learn new things, etc.
The end is a bit of a tear jerker (Mark leaned over to check my cheeks for tears – there was ONE) and I imagine couples struggling with infertility would have even more tears.
The kids all LOVED it. Probably the 5 and under crowd wouldn’t follow the story line very well but my kids (9, 11, 12 & 13) sat with rapt attention. There’ just the right amount of humor too.
Although the rating disclaimer says “brief language,” I’m struggling to recall any. There was one time I though PERHAPS an actor said “d***” but it was so quick I’m not even sure.
I love that Disney is putting out “grown up” family movies. My kids still love the animated flicks of course, but I love being able to watch films like this with them.
The movie comes out August 15th. You won’t want to miss it!
P.S. Today is the last day to enter the giveaway to win the Veggie Tales DVD – “The Penniless Princess”. Click here for details. You have til midnight Eastern time.
Official Trailer
OLTG was directed by Academy Award®–nominated director/writer Peter Hedges (“Dan in Real Life,” What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?”) and stars Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton.