Nick Clement takes a look at one of the latest features on the Disney+ platform as he brings us his Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made review.
Despite arriving with a title that contains a word that I’d argue should never be included in the title of nearly anything, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made is a thoroughly enjoyable family movie made with a totally adult sensibility – it isn’t hectic and overly-stuffed with nonsensical clap-trap-crap, and it requires a level of patience from young viewers while viewing as the warm and friendly narrative doesn’t rely on bursts of action every 10 minutes in order to produce a whammy-effect.
Adapted from the popular series of books by erudite filmmaker Tom McCarthy (The Station Agent, The Visitor, Spotlight, The Loudest Voice, Christopher Robin) and original author Stephan Pastis, this film brought back some 80’s memories, as it’s a piece that takes its time with the building if its story (an intrepid middle school kid solves little crimes for his buddies), allowing the characters to come first, with a focus on family and the importance of listening and being true to yourself.
Yes, there’s a CGI polar bear (flawlessly executed on a photo-real/CGI level and seamlessly integrated into each shot), but there’s a REAL REASON for why there’s a CGI polar bear interacting with unique newcomer Winslow Fegley, who plays the titular hero with quirky aplomb.
Handsomely lensed by eclectic cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi (The Grey, Silver Linings Playbook, Warrior, Hostiles, Out of the Furnace, McCarthy’s upcoming Stillwater) and featuring a peppy score by Rolfe Kent (Sideways, Reign Over Me, Election), Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made is currently streaming on Disney+
Find out what Disney+ is all about HERE
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made Review Review by Nick Clement
Our Rating
Summary
Warm hearty family entertainment as Disney+ is certainly bringing the thunder during a strange 2020 calender year for the cinema industry.
