Hubs and I recently took advantage of an invitation to view The Odd Life of Timothy Green, starring Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, and CJ Adams. The story, written by Ahmet Zappa with screenplay by Peter Hedges, unfolds with a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green, who have been trying to start a family and are devastated to learn that they will not be able to conceive. They refuse to give up their dream and spend an evening describing what their child would be like, using a notepad and a No. 2 pencil.
When young Timothy (CJ Adams) shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim learn that life’s greatest gifts are often unexpected.
When I go to screen a movie, I always take a notepad and pen, so I can keep a “cuss count.” Sadly, even a lot PG movies have inappropriate language, curse words, or inappropriate use of God’s name in them. So, in my notetaking, I make a line for the cuss count and a line labeled GN for inappropriate uses of God’s name. I am happy to say that the cuss count ended up with zero tally marks. Unfortunately, I did catch three inappropriate uses of God’s name (another viewer counted four).
There were no steamy scenes, no gross immodesty (some girls are shown in two piece bathing suits in a pool scene, but otherwise, everyone was well clad), and no outright vulgarity.
The story itself is sweet. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry.
The most poignant moment, for me, was when Cindy’s sister quips, at a family gathering, that she thought Cindy and Jim were trying to have kids of their own. As an adoptive Mom, it hit home. I can’t tell you how many times well meaning people make barbed comments that pierce an adoptive Mom’s heart. Comments that imply that an adopted child is any less your “own” or “real” child are just unnecessary and insensitive. I loved Cindy’s response, “He felt like my own from the first moment I saw him.” Exactly how I feel about my daughter.
My husband and I both enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to friends. It was an *almost* spotless film with a great storyline and makes for a great family film. I don’t know how I would explain Timothy’s appearance to my kids, other than how Cindy described it, “sort of miraculous.”
“Like” THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN on Facebook or follow THE OFF LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN on Twitter to learn more.
THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN is now playing in theaters everywhere and is rated PG.
***We received complimentary passes to view this movie. All opinions are my own.***
Life With 4 Boys says
We just saw this movie last week and it was so sweet. We loved it.
Zipporah Sandler says
I still have to see this movie.
Jennifer says
I still need to see this. Looks so cute.
Donna says
This is at the top of my MUST see list!
MomStart (Ashley) says
SUCH a great movie. Glad you enjoyed it.
Jenn says
Sounds like a good family movie. Wish it could have gotten a G rating!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I love that you take a notepad and do a cuss count! Great idea!
Marcie W. says
I love hearing your perspective since you’re an adoptive mom too Virginia. This movie was heartwarming and I really enjoyed it, as did my 8yr old daughter.
Billie says
I was leery of this movie at first, but I’ve seen a few trailers and it looks good.
Leilani says
I still have to go see this. It looks like such a cute movie!
Tricia Nightowlmama says
fabulous review and I swear this is the best family movie of the year. After seeing it for the second time I caught new things I missed the 1st time
Emily says
What a great review! This is my favorite movie all year!
HilLesha says
Looks like a really good movie!
Lolo says
This was such an amazing movie.
Theresa says
I need to watch this. Great review!
Toni says
I haven’t had the chance to see it yet but I am hoping to soon.
April Decheine says
This is going to be a great movie!
debra says
I really can’t wait to see this one.
Kelly says
I can’t wait to see this one. It’s on my to-watch list.
Notorious Spinks says
I really need to see this before it leaves the movie.
Courtney says
Can’t wait until it comes to dvd! Baby girl keeps me busy at home 🙂
Rachel says
This is still on my “watch list.” And, like you, as an Adoptive Mom I have had those same type of comments.
Ty - Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Looks like a fun family movie!
Jennifer says
such a sweet movie. I enjoyed it
Stefanie says
Such a great movie!
Connie Seattle Mom Blogger says
I still haven’t seen this. I think now I’ll have to wait for the DVD.