The Odd Life of Timothy Green. Hmm...you've heard of Cabbage Patch kids, right? It's kinda like that only the kid is not as pudgy and his hair not as curly.
Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton) want a baby. Yeah--I don't know why, but some humans are into that kinda thing. The trouble is, it's just not in the cards, or is it? When they find out that they can't possibly conceive, their last ditch effort involves writing down all the wonderful qualities that their child would possess on some slips of paper. They then bury their hopes in a box in the garden. The result? Quite the bumper crop, indeed, as out springs 10-year old Timothy Green. Timothy is a doll, from head to his leafy toes...well, leafy ankles. Did I forget to mention that the little lad has a host of leaves attached to his ankles? Of course, this is troubling to the new parents. However, aside from adjusting to their new bundle, they are trying to save their beloved town of Stanleyville from financial ruin, which is home to the ole number two. Meanwhile, little Timothy is busy displaying all of those wonderful qualities wished for by his parents. He's also losing his leaves in the process. Yadayadayada...the Green's learn about parenting as Timothy soon requires a rake as autumn sets in on his legs, while everyone tries to salvage the factory.
It's pretty good. I'll go with 3.0 Stars--on the sunny side of okay. Realists everywhere will roll their eyes, but this movie isn't for them. Sure, no one is in the least concerned that the Green's have, indeed, adopted a child from absolutely nowhere; but this is movie that saw the pair become parents with a pencil, paper and a box. Realism is not in play here. Yes, it provides you with a realistic framework for the story, but the intricacies within that framework are pretty fantastical. If you can embrace that element, you'll enjoy what is a very Odd Life of Timothy Green.
Actually, I was able to embrace the LaLa, my issue was a little different. Now--fair warning, because this may well be a Spoiler--but as soon as Timothy starts losing his leaves, you know why and you know what's going to happen. Timothy loses a leaf when he experiences one of the attributes that had been put into the box by his 'parents'. With that in mind, you know he's not sticking around. Actually, you knew that from the start as the would-be parents are telling their tale to an adoption agent. Knowing that Timothy was eventually going to deliver a drive-by lesson and be on his way, it was hard for me to connect with him. I knew that eventually he was going to be out of the picture, so I didn't let myself get attached, which may have affected the impact this movie had on me.
Yes, I was expecting something a little more inspirational than what was delivered. I was hoping that Timothy would help me relive and relieve. I wanted Timothy to help me relive those moments of living the carefree life that only youth brings...where perspective is gained through wide-eyed optimism. I wanted Timothy to relieve me from the skepticism that the years have taught me, so I could take a step back toward that wide-eyed approach to my world. It did neither, really. At least, it did neither with any sense of overwhelming influence.
With that noted, I still enjoyed the flick. I was still able to enjoy the story and the different dynamics between characters. The performances were all believable and sound. CJ Adams (Timothy) is a relative newcomer, with this being his first major role; and he was very good. Plus, the setting is a quaint little rural town that helped add to the escape. All in all, it was an enjoyable and entertaining movie. Just don't try to over-think this one and you'll be fine.
Should you see this one BIG? I would wait on the BluRay in December, but make no mistake, there are plenty of positives to enjoy with this one...which reminds me, I should probably go rake some leaves.
True...OUT!
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