The Odd Life of Timothy Green

PG

Released Aug 15, 2012

1 hr. 44 min.

Kids & Family

Comedy

Drama

Fantasy

List

36%

131 Reviews

Tomatometer

67%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Cindy (Jennifer Garner) and Jim Green (Joel Edgerton) live in the town of Stanleyville, home of the Stanleyville Pencil Factory. Though happily married, Cindy and Jim long for a child; unfortunately, they are unable to conceive. They bury a box in their backyard, containing all their wishes for what they hope a child of theirs might be. When a boy named Timothy (CJ Adams) magically appears at their door, the Greens learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life's greatest gifts.

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Critics Consensus

It means well, but The Odd Life of Timothy Green is ultimately too cloyingly sentimental -- and thinly scripted -- to satisfy all but the least demanding viewers.

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Zavier S

This movie is filled with comedy, emotion, and heart felt moments. This movie is incredible and I believe it's one of a kind and very engaging. I've seen this movie several times throughout the years and it is hard to make me cry, but when you finish this movie you will cry too. It's sad but also so sweet. I definitely know this movie is a 10/10 and is very underrated.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/23/24

Full Review

Cole S

It's an odd concept sure and yes it didn't really create a storm in the office but I love this movie and Reggie is such a great character in it!Funny and really stole the show (not just saying this because it's Lin-Manuel Miranda)Underrated but so good!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/24

Full Review

Ray R

I felt like I was losing brain cells while going through a fever dream watching this movie. I can't believe the adoption agency even entertained the idea of them having a kid with leaves on him the just so happened to spring out of the Earth. I was in a state of boredom from the slideshow of standard sappy scenes "fEeL gOoD" scenes while also in a state of **what** with Timothy just randomly photosynthesizing and making Timothy, who looks like he's 7, be in a relationship with Joni, who looks like she's 14-15. Which they just cover up by making Timothy 10 and since they're both in elementary school, make her at most 11-12. However, I guess it was a little funny seeing Timothy completely get folded trying to kick a soccer ball. Javier's rating: D- overly sappy and just plain weird, at least it had a few funny moments which saved it from an F.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

11/23/22

Full Review

isla s

This is a sentimental yet also quite charming family friendly film. I thought CJ Adams gave a great performance as the titular character, seeming quite naive and optimistic, which his newfound parents love and the story was quite endearing. There is a predictability about it, with morals primarily about not making fun of people who are different, who aren't good at the same things as others. There's an anti-bullying aspect to it and I found myself wishing for the best for the parents - Cindy and Jim Green, played by Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton. This film features a decent cast, an interesting plot, although its a little predictable perhaps but for a family friendly, easy to watch film its relatively good, so I'd give it a 4 out of 5 and say its worth a watch if it sounds of interest to you.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

joel h

The Odd Life of Timothy Green is certainly odd, but it also starts out sweet. However, eventually the sweet turns into sappy, and the odd turns into just plain weird. The balance is all off between the real and the surreal, and the ending gets pretty heavy-handed with some sloppy writing. The actor who plays Timothy Green is likeable enough, but this movie could have used some pruning.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The struggle of parenting and loving someone you ultimately have little control over. The hope of still hoping even when all options seem exhausted. The importance of the kind truth. Centrality of family.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

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Peter Hedges

Director

Jennifer Garner

Cindy Green

Joel Edgerton

Jim Green

Dianne Wiest

Bernice Crudstaff

CJ Adams

Timothy

Rosemarie DeWitt

Brenda Best

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David Jenkins

Little White Lies

A gooey mess, but not an entirely dislikable one.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 4, 2013

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

The Odd Life Of Timothy Green made me shiver, like having a lizard crawl over your face when you're asleep.

Rated: 1/5

Apr 4, 2013

Full Review

Robbie Collin

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Has ever a film battled more fruitlessly against the creepiness of its own premise than The Odd Life of Timothy Green?

Rated: 2/5

Apr 4, 2013

Full Review

Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

A wonderful tale about the power of intention, being careful what you wish for, self-acceptance, love, loss, and new beginnings.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 26, 2022

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Struggles to find creativity, worthy comedy, and resonance.

Rated: 3/10

Dec 2, 2020

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

A good majority of children will find much to enjoy here and parents will no doubt appreciate the film's positive message, inspiring characters, and genuinely good heart.

Rated: 3.0/4.0

Sep 18, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

Cindy (Jennifer Garner) and Jim Green (Joel Edgerton) live in the town of Stanleyville, home of the Stanleyville Pencil Factory. Though happily married, Cindy and Jim long for a child; unfortunately, they are unable to conceive. They bury a box in their backyard, containing all their wishes for what they hope a child of theirs might be. When a boy named Timothy (CJ Adams) magically appears at their door, the Greens learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life's greatest gifts.

Director: Peter Hedges
Executive Producer: John Cameron, Mara Jacobs
Screenwriter: Peter Hedges
Distributor: Walt Disney
Production Co: Walt Disney Studios
Rating: PG (Mild Thematic Elements|Brief Language)
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 15, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $51.9M
Sound Mix: Datasat, Dolby Digital

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