THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN
A charming, wholesome family story about a miraculous child.
Should You Watch It?
Here is a family film that knows what it wants to celebrate. Jim and Cindy Green long to become parents, and when their hopes take a strange, miraculous form, they learn to be sweet, loving, supportive, and kind. They also make mistakes and learn from them.
The movie stresses doing what is right, honoring parents, honesty, love, sacrifice, and family. It is entertaining, charming, wholesome, and easy to follow. The main concern is its magical explanation for Timothy’s arrival. He seems to come from “the universe” and “earth,” with no reference to God.
If your family can discuss that worldview concern, this is a worthwhile choice for older children and adults.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESJim and Cindy Green have tried everything possible to have a child, but they are told they cannot. Distressed, they write down their hopes and dreams for the child they long for, including honesty, love, and a positive sense of humor.
They bury the box in their yard. That night, after rain falls, a child named Timothy comes from the ground. Jim and Cindy are amazed to discover that leaves grow from his legs. Believing Timothy is the child they always wanted, they begin learning how to be parents.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is a highly enjoyable, well-made family film. It has a very clear plot line and remains entertaining and charming from beginning to end.
The acting is wonderful. Jennifer Garner plays a mother well, and Cameron “CJ” Adams is adorable as Timothy. The movie’s strongest achievement is its portrayal of supportive parenting: Jim and Cindy want to do right by their child, even as they make mistakes and grow.
The Worldview
The film has a strong moral worldview. It stresses doing what is right, honesty, honoring parents, love, sacrifice, and family. Jim and Cindy become sweet, loving, supportive, and kind parents, while learning from their mistakes.
The main departure from a biblical worldview is the film’s explanation of Timothy’s arrival. There are no references to God the Creator. Timothy seems to come from “the universe” and “earth” through a magical experience. The story also includes some magical elements, a scene where Timothy lifts his hands to the sky without explanation, and mentions of his appearance being “miraculous.”
The film contains some light politically correct commentary and some light environmental elements. These are present alongside its emphasis on family and moral choices, but they do not replace the movie’s central celebration of supportive parenting.
The film’s call to honesty and doing what is right aligns with Scripture: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong moral worldview with redemptive elements stressing honesty love, and sacrifice, with scene where child lifts hands up to the sky but not explained and mentions of the title character’s appearance being “miraculous,” with some light politically correct commentary, some light environmental elements, and some magical elements as to where Timothy has come from; four profanities, one obscenity; no violence, children smear food on younger boy; no sexual content other than kissing between married couple; upper male nudity with boy in swimming suit; light drinking; no smoking or drug use; and, lying and stealing by the villain.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Jim and Cindy write down the qualities they hope to see in a child. Why do honesty and love matter in a family?
Ephesians 4:25 · 1 Corinthians 13:4–7Jim and Cindy try to be supportive parents, but they make mistakes and learn from them. What does it look like to correct a mistake with humility?
Proverbs 12:1 · James 5:16The film honors parents and family. How can children and parents show honor to one another at home?
Ephesians 6:1–4Timothy’s arrival is described as magical rather than being connected to God the Creator. How does Scripture describe God’s role as Creator?
Genesis 1:1 · Psalm 139:13–14The Final Word
THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN is a sweet, well-made, wholesome family film with a clear moral heart. Its magical explanation for Timothy’s arrival and lack of reference to God deserve a family conversation, but older children and adults can find much to enjoy and discuss. Our answer is WORTH THE TRIP.
