Story
Imagine That is about high-achieving financial executive Evan Danielson (Eddie Murphy), who is an expert in his field. There is a rumour that the manager of Evan’s financial division is leaving. Evan feels he has a good chance of getting the job. His main competition is Johnny Whitefeather (Thomas Haden Church), a new employee. Up to now, Johnny has been very successful, although he works in unusual ways.
Evan is divorced with a young daughter, Olivia (Yara Shahidi). She is having some problems at school and will not go anywhere without her security blanket (her ‘googaa’). During a presentation to a major client, where he is competing with Johnny, Evan gets a call from the school to pick up his daughter. He ends up taking Olivia to work – with surprising results. Initially, he makes a complete fool of himself at the client meeting. Olivia has drawn all over his report. When it is Evan’s turn to present, he uses Olivia’s drawings. He says silly things about the drawings, and he expects to lose his job as a result. Instead, his boss tells Evan that, although slightly childish, his analysis is very accurate.
Evan looks at Olivia in a new light. She seems to have an unnerving ability to pick good stocks and has a knack of knowing what will happen next. When he asks her how she does this, she says that ‘the princess’ is telling her. Olivia meets the princess and other friends by using her blanket. Evan and Olivia start talking to her imaginary friends together. This leads to a bond between father and daughter and, eventually, the confidence that Evan needs to do his job again.
Themes
Family breakdown
Violence
None of concern
Content that may disturb children
Under 8
There is one scene where Evan takes Olivia’s blanket away and she screams. This is quite gentle, however, and Evan gives the blanket back.
Over 8
Nothing of concern
Sexual references
None of concern
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Indigo Whitefeather (Johnny’s son) drinks a lot of Red Bull, which makes him hyperactive.
Nudity and sexual activity
None of concern
Product placement
The following products are displayed or used in this movie: Mercedes cars and Red Bull.
Coarse language
This movie contains some putdowns and very mild coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Imagine That is a family comedy best suited to school-age children. It highlights the importance of balancing career and relationships. It also shows that if you focus only on your career, your family might get left behind. It demonstrates the importance of imagination and how imagination can solve a problem that cannot be solved with skill and experience.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include the importance of family and of listening to everyone, including children.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about issues such as the following. Although it seems funny when Johnny gives his son Red Bull to keep him awake, his son becomes hyperactive. In reality, this can be damaging for a person, especially a child.