Review of The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012) by Philip P — 10 Dec 2012

Standard in every sense of the word, The Odd Life of Timothy Green is simply to content with itself for us to feel anything more about it rather than a passing calmness that the film delivers in spades with its beautiful countryside cinematography.

I enjoyed the film well enough and the premise is engaging to the point it deals with a heavy handed subject in a fantastical way that makes it easier to swallow. Writer and director Peter Hedges has crafted tales with themes like this before whether it be his writing in About A Boy or his previous directorial effort Dan In Real Life (which I still adore).

He brings that same warm, cozy feeling to this film and makes a movie for families, about family and how we all need to cherish and look out for one another. There are certain characters so typical to these kinds of films its laughable and it is sometimes hard to get past the requirements of the outlandish set up, but nonetheless it is charming and the actors really put forth an effort here.

Both Joel Edgerton (Warrior) and Jennifer Garner as the heartbroken parents shine in certain scenes while a parade of strong supporting players are given too little to do to justify their presence. CJ Adams is the title character and is a pleasure as the all knowing child teaching the parents he takes to so easily how they can be the best of parents.

It is all very nice, sometimes emotional, sometimes overly sentimental but most of all it is sweet yet forgettable. I liked the film, it didn't feel like a waste of time, but I wouldn't return to it again.

Still, a good time for the family and worth a rental this holiday season.