Cindy (Jennifer Garner) and Jim (Joel Edgerton) Green live in a small town that centers around a pencil factory. All of the other businesses in town are closing or closed. The pencil factory, itself, isn’t in such great shape, either.

Cindy and Jim desperately want to start a family. They have tried everything possible. When the doctor gives them the news that it’s just not going to happen, they have a hard time dealing with it. To finally move on, Jim suggests they write down everything their son would be on slips of paper.  They put the slips in a box and bury it in their garden.

That night, there is a massive storm. A storm that is localized only over the Green home. As one might guess, the storm causes the slips of paper to “grow” into a child. Timothy (CJ Adams). The Greens spend the night trying to wrap their heads around their unusual circumstances.

Timothy becomes part of the family. He is the son Jim and Cindy wanted. He is perfect. But not too perfect. He’s quirky, to say the least. But he lives up to everything they dreamed their child would be. Timothy even inspires them to come up with an idea that could save the pencil factory and the town.

However, there is the problem of explaining his sudden appearance to their family and friends. And the curious leaves that sprout from Timothy’ ankles. Timothy’s relationship with the equally quirky Joni (Odeya Rush). And the fact that Jim and Cindy have no idea what they’re doing as parents.

Despite the fact that The Odd Life of Timothy Green is a  Disney movie, it’s not really a movie for kids. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing offensive in the movie. It’s just that the story is a little heavy. Jim and Cindy’s feelings of inadequacy and loss. And all the interpersonal relationships between everyone in the film.

I am glad to see that Hollywood seems to be cranking out what seems to be more original stories, in addition to all the reboots, remakes, sequels. Written by Ahmet Zappa, it has potential. Even if it doesn’t quite live up to that potential.

Garner and Edgerton are respectable. They’ve been at this a while. I would hope they would be. CJ Adams doesn’t do too badly, either. Although, it’s hard to tell what may be part of a kid acting in an adult-ish movie, and what is written into his character. But he’s believable, as is Odeya Rush.

While it’s not a bad movie, it is forgettable. And it has a considerably long run time at 2 hr 5 min. Surprisingly, though, it doesn’t feel that long. I never once found myself looking at my watch. I would say that tweens or early teens are probably about as young as you could go and have them get anything that’s going on in the film.

If you’re planning to see The Odd Life of Timothy Green, wait until it hits the RedBox.