Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

film

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

2020

An 11-year old boy believes that he is the best detective in town and runs the agency Total Failures with his best friend, an imaginary 1,200 pound polar bear.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? The film is aimed at children but includes risky adventures, a dead class hamster, a hospital visit, family stress, school punishment, and emotionally difficult changes involving separation and responsibility. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick context

What parents should know

The film is aimed at children but includes risky adventures, a dead class hamster, a hospital visit, family stress, school punishment, and emotionally difficult changes involving separation and responsibility. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ. Creativity & curiosity; strongest caution: frightening scenes.

Readiness snapshotAge guidance: 8+Main watch-out: Frightening scenes 2/5
Recommendation 3.5/5
Review depth13 scored categories13 evidence notes

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Death of a character1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Good role models3/5

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What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard product placement for a Disney film, but not overly aggressive.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

A class hamster has died and is retrieved; the story also includes separation from an imaginary companion, without a major human death.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language, mostly consisting of social awkwardness and light teasing.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

A girl has a crush on Timmy, and Timmy has confused feelings about another girl; romance is brief and secondary.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Children face tense situations involving a dam, floodgates, alleged kidnapping, theft, and a dangerous rescue mission, but the tone remains light.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes slapstick moments and minor scuffles, such as a chase at a dam and minor accidents.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Timmy faces embarrassment, family upheaval, danger, and his own mistakes; some bravery is mixed with impulsiveness and poor judgment.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Central theme involves the main character's vibrant, if often detached, imagination.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse ensemble cast in a contemporary setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Promotes imaginative play, though primarily entertainment-focused.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, parental care, counseling, apology, helping others, and concern for animals are recurring elements, despite Timmy's selfish behavior.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly emphasizes learning from mistakes, accepting responsibility, apologizing, trusting others, and becoming more flexible and empathetic.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Timmy is arrogant and impulsive but grows through guidance, accountability, and apology; adults and friends provide meaningful support.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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