Timmy Fiasco

Watched this with my kids (8 & 10) and we loved it. Between the great casting and acting from everyone (especially Flo) to the main character's (Timmy Failure's) hard boiled and dry delivery of almost every line, this movie is spot on. Settle in for a fun detective adventure that weaves the quirkiness of Portland with the absurdities of an unsupervised, intelligent kid's imagination as he tries to solve his next case involving the class hamster, the "Russians", and a Segway.

The amusing and quirky movie "Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made" immerses you in the world of 11-year-old self-described detective Timmy Failure, who has a distinct viewpoint on the world and an unyielding trust in his own abilities.

Timmy, a charming and humorous character, is the center of the movie. Young Winslow Fegley plays Timmy with the proper deadpan humor, and his steadfast self-belief, despite constant failure, is oddly inspiring. Timmy's exploits are made more whimsical and ridiculous by the silent presence of Total, a 1,500-pound polar bear, his devoted (and fictitious) companion. The supporting cast, which includes Timmy's incredibly understanding single mother and the humorously irritated school principle, is as endearing and contributes their own distinct flavors to the quirky humor of the movie.

The film's dry and funny humor captures the awkwardness and purity of childhood just right. It's not overtly humorous or confrontational; rather, it's based on astute observations and scenarios that will strike a chord with everyone who can recall the difficulties of growing up.

The movie is hilarious, for sure, but it also skillfully incorporates some touching lessons about tenacity, acceptance of oneself, and the value of friendship. Timmy's adventure is about more than simply solving crimes; it's about discovering how to deal with life's obstacles, overcome disappointments, and, in the end, accept his own special traits.

Even though the plot is episodic and moves quickly, there isn't always a clear focal point or conflict. Furthermore, not every audience may find the offbeat humor and oddball characters appealing, especially those looking for a more traditional children's movie. "Timmy Failure" is a charming gem, nonetheless, for individuals who enjoy quirky humor, endearing tales, and characters that embrace originality. This movie serves as a helpful reminder that even in the face of failure, there is always room for growth and learning, and that often the most worthwhile adventures are those we engage on with an ally who is devoted-even if that companion is just imagined-and our own distinct point of view.

Overall I thought this movie was good fun, something for a single viewing but not to put on a "Favorites" list for repeated viewing. In a nod to the title, it does feel like "Mistakes Were Made" in production; the movie feels incomplete. Like a car missing a seat, rear view mirror, a radio, and a tire. Whether some key scenes were left out, or cut for time, there is a sense that with appropriate tweaking this movie could have been much better. Additional background into what prompted this child to create the fantasy world he put himself in; why a polar bear?; what is the obsession with Russian spies?; what's up with the scarf? There are many things hinted at or teased, but we are not shown the reason for them. The potential is there, and other movies have used similar plot devices successfully, but like my car analogy there are parts missing.

But it's a very good joke - laugh out loud funny at times. And there's a lot more to it than that - this movie is well worth a watch.

This kid's inner narrative, as well as his laser focus on the imaginary while remaining oblivious to the obvious, will be reminiscent a lot of our own childhoods if we grew up with undiagnosed autism.