Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

This oddball family comedy centers on 11-year-old Timmy Failure, a "detective" who thinks he's the CEO of the "best detective agency in town" despite the fact that he has no real cases, an imaginary polar bear partner, and a total lack of social awareness. Timmy starts an investigation after his mother's Segway disappears, which makes him face the discrepancy between reality and his intricate imaginary world.

Winslow Fegley exhibits the sincerity of a young investigator while embodying Timmy's deadpan absurdity. Through animated scenes and a subdued color scheme, Tom McCarthy's video skillfully reflects Timmy's point of view, implying a playful yet depressing setting. Deeper themes of anxiety and family issues are explored, especially in Timmy's relationship with his understanding mother (played by Ophelia Lovibond), who steers clear of the clichés of the "clueless parent." In contrast to many children's movies, it keeps Timmy's point of view intact without undermining it for adult humor, which enables its peculiar story and emotional depth to truly connect with its viewers.

Similar to the book's chapter structure, the middle portion of the movie is plagued by sporadic mishaps that don't advance the plot. Despite being a clever idea, the fictional polar bear sidekick is poorly executed, with uninspired CGI and repetitive humor. The Russian spy ring plot, which has comical antagonists that take away from the conclusion, fails to create tension. The dialogue appears fake rather than genuine, and the tone is dry and sometimes feels forced. Although well-earned, Timmy and his mother's sudden emotional reconciliation falls short in terms of development. In general, the movie exhibits more eccentricities than significant character development.

Character development takes precedence over story devices in Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, a small and yet sincere movie. It won't become as beloved as Paddington or The Princess Bride, but it does offer something unique: a children's film that values sadness and creativity as coping strategies rather than as issues to be solved. The sluggish pacing may be difficult for younger children, but it is best suited for adults who enjoy deadpan humor and children aged 8 to 12.

Staff:

Directed by: Tom McCarthy

Written by: Tom McCarthy, Benjamin Pestana, and Stephan Pastis

Based on: Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis

Produced by: Alexander Dostal, Tom McCarthy, and Jim Whitaker

Starring: Winslow Fegley, Ophelia Lovibond, Craig Robinson, and Wallace Shawn.

Cinematography: Masanobu Takayanagi

Edited by: Tom McArdle

Music by: Rolfe Kent

Production companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Etalon Film, Slow Pony Pictures, and Whitaker Entertainment

Distributed by: Disney+

Release date: February 7, 2020

Running time: 99 minutes