August 7th, 2012 
When you see movies as often as I do, more often than not you find yourself entertaining, but wholly unmemorable, duds. But that was far from the case with “The Odd Life of Timothy Green”.
“We want to tell you our story. There’s just one thing… You’re going to find it hard to believe.”
(Photo Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
This enchanting, joy-filled film opens in Stanleyville, a fictitious small factory town in Anywhere, USA, where the happily married Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton), can’t wait to start a family, but are faced with the harsh reality that they can’t birth a child of their own.
When one day, after burying a box full of traits they wish for the child they are unable to have, a beyond adorable boy named Timothy (played by a perfectly cast CJ Adams, who will steal your heart the moment you see him) shows up at their door claiming to have grown from the ground.
And so the magical story of Timothy unfolds.
While cynics may deem the storyline predictable, that’s only partially true. From the beginning, you can tell the film will have a happy ending, but this movie is about the journey getting there, not just the fact that you do.
In the hands of Academy Award-nominated director/writer Peter Hedges (“Dan in Real Life”, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?”) you’ll find yourself loving every moment of this cinematographic masterpiece. Filmed in breath-taking mountainside of Asheville, NC, “The Odd Life” reveals some of life’s most simple, poignant lessons through its exceptional cast (for which Bernard Telsey should no-doubt get an Oscar-nod).
Altogether mesmerizing, through both laughter and tears, I found this the best family movie I’ve seen in years.
The verdict: You don’t have to be a parent or a child to enjoy this film. This undeniably feel-good crowd-pleaser truly has something for everyone. So whether you are planning a family trip to the theater or a date night out, “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” is the movie to see. It is sure put a smile (after a few tears) on everyone’s face.
Opens: August 15
Directed by: Peter Hedges
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton and CJ Adams
