Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

"Small detective. Big imagination."

2020 1h 39m EN

😐

6.2

MID

★6.2TMDB · 197

FamilyComedyFantasyMystery

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

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.

“Small detective. Big imagination.”

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Cast

Winslow Fegley
Timmy Failure
Ophelia Lovibond
Patty Failure
Wallace Shawn
Mr. Crocus
Craig Robinson
Mr. Jenkins
Kyle Bornheimer
Crispin
Ai-chan Carrier
Corrina Corrina
Chloe Coleman
Molly Moskins
Kei
Rollo Tookus

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Tom McCarthy
Writers: Tom McCarthy, Stephan Pastis
Languages: English
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 7

ERA

Did you know

Released 6 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Tom McCarthy, shot by Masanobu Takayanagi. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Rolfe Kent. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 7

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Tom McArdle shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 7

AWARDS

Did you know

Winslow Fegley and Ophelia Lovibond and Wallace Shawn carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 7

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "Small detective. Big imagination.".

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 7

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt6820324 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Tom McCarthy directs. Masanobu Takayanagi behind the camera. Rolfe Kent scores. Tom McArdle cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Released 6 years ago.
2Directed by Tom McCarthy, shot by Masanobu Takayanagi. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
3Original score by Rolfe Kent. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
4Editor Tom McArdle shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
5Winslow Fegley and Ophelia Lovibond and Wallace Shawn carry the top of the cast.
6Marketing tagline: "Small detective. Big imagination.".
7IMDB entry: tt6820324 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
8Released under 12 different titles around the world.

The technical file

Cinematography: Masanobu Takayanagi
Original score: Rolfe Kent
Editing: Tom McArdle
Production design: Philip Messina
Costume design: Kari Perkins
Makeup / hair: Caitlin Groves
VFX supervisor: Nicolas Chevallier
Stunt coordinator: Melissa R. Stubbs
Runtime: 99 min · 1h 39m
Status: Released
Budget: $45,000,000
Original language: EN
Certification (US): PG
IMDB: Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made (2020)

Also by

Tom McCarthy

Trailers & featurettes

Watch the pieces

Community reviews

What people are saying

r96sk2020-11-19
★ 5/10
Forgettable. <em>'Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made'</em> is, simply put, not very good. The execution of the plot is underwhelming, while the ultra dry nature of the humour becomes tiresome quickly. I was giving it the benefit of the doubt for the most part, with the expectation of a decent pay off at the end... but that doesn't arrive. Winslow Fegley (brother of Oakes Fegley from <em>'Pete's Dragon'</em>) is alright in the lead, but the only cast member I'll remember is Craig Robinson - I, truly, liked his character, Mr. Jenkins. Ophelia Lovibond and Wallace Shawn are OK, I guess. I don't really have anything against the cast, to be honest. It's just everything else that gives this film a low rating from me. I will say I do like a few aspects. For example, there's a cool CGI polar bear from start-to-finish, but it literally never does anything of note. I also get the message they were aiming for, but they don't quite get there. I did find the dialogue good, in parts, though. It's harmless and, evidently, some will find enjoyment in this. For me, it isn't anything worth noting in terms of Disney releases.
Alunauwie2025-09-24
★ 8/10
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made delivers a charming and imaginative story based on Stephan Pastis’ popular book series, blending humor, fantasy, and heart through its quirky main character and his polar bear sidekick. While the film’s creativity and strong performance by Winslow Fegley shine, certain mature themes and cultural portrayals may require parental guidance and raise sensitivity concerns. Despite minor flaws, the film succeeds in celebrating individuality, friendship, and viewing “failure” through a surprisingly uplifting lens. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)