Jack planted magic beans and grew a giant beanstalk. What Cindy and Jim Green plant is something more ephemeral – heartfelt dreams and desires – and what grows from that is even more special.  "Kids and parents can enjoy this movie because it shows a lot of imagination and a lot of love," says KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Anthony Aranda, age 10, recommending it for all ages because there's nothing scary in it, although the Motion Picture Association of America gives it the mildly cautionary PG rating. Audiences can expect to have their heartstrings tugged. Says KIDS FIRST! youth film critic Cheyenne Nguyen, age 8, "This movie emotion is like riding a roller coaster. I am laughing and crying during the same scene." She gives particular kudos to CJ Adams, who plays Timothy Green, calling him "a great actor."

The Odd Life of Timothy Green
Reviewed by Cheyenne Nguyen
(See her full review on video.)

The main story of this movie, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, by Disney, is about "love" — and I love this movie and can’t wait to watch it again.

Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Garner play Mr. and Mrs. Green, who are trying to have a baby. However, their doctor tells them there is no hope. They are so sad and decide to move on with their lives. They name their little boy Timothy, then they list characters that Timothy would have on pieces of paper, then put it those into a box and bury it so they can go on with their lives.

A magical thing happens: Timothy comes from the garden where they buried the box. Timothy Green is played by CJ Adams, who is a great actor. His love for everyone is unconditional. I can see all his emotions through his eyes and his facial expressions. This movie emotion is like riding a roller coaster. I am laughing and crying during the same scene.

The cinematography and production design are awesome. The details of the town and the pencil factory are so real. The colors of the fall leaves are so vibrant. They really capture small-town America. Dianne West plays a grumpy old woman, who is so funny with her chin hair.

My favorite character is Timothy. He’s always positive and wants to give all his love to those around him. 

The only part I did not like is the bullying part. I did not see the bullies being punished for their bad behavior.

The messages of this movie are to love as much as possible and never give up. 

I rank this movie five out of five stars.

I recommend this for ages 5 and up.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green
Reviewed by Anthony Aranda 
(See his full review on video.)

The Odd Life of Timothy Green is really cool because it has a lot of imagination and is really cool.

This move is all about Mr. and Mrs. Green (Jim and Cindy) who really want to have a baby. They've tried for a long time but the doctor tells them that they could not have their own baby, which makes them really sad. So they go home and write some things down on a little notepad that they would want their child to be like. They put each little slip of paper in a box, and bury it outside in their garden. Later that night, there is a strange thunder storm and it starts to rain — only at their house — and all the things that they wanted in their child come true because a child pops out of the dirt and is named Timothy.

The main characters in this movie are Jim and Cindy Green, Timothy Green and Joni. My favorite character is Timothy because he is a really cool kid who is trustworthy and really funny. He has a really good heart and sees the best in people. He is also really good at art. He and Joni get along really well because they are both really different. Timothy has leaves growing out of his legs and Joni has a big birthmark that she tries to hide a lot. By the end of the movie, Timothy makes Joni feel comfortable enough to show off her birthmark. 

My favorite part in the movie is when Timothy’s mom meets Joni. She tries to tell Joni to leave Timothy alone but then sees what Timothy and Joni have been doing. They've created a whole new world with lots of art made out of nature. It is really cool, and Timothy’s mom is not mad at Joni anymore and thinks that she is a good friend to Timothy. 

I would recommend this movie for all ages because this movie is rated G and is not scary at all. Kids and parents can enjoy this movie because it shows a lot of imagination and a lot of love. Go out and see this movie in theaters on August 15th.