Imagine That 2009
Directed by
Karey Kirkpatrick
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Plot Summary
Before he found himself shouting for his daughter’s beloved purple security blanket at his friends’ house in the middle of the night, Evan Danielson was an ordinary yet successful financial executive—focused and ambitious. However, after his daughter introduced him to the enchanting princesses and their queen dwelling in her imaginary world, Evan was thrust into a whimsical adventure that compelled him to reassess the importance of their relationship and what success truly meant.
In the midst of his demanding career, Evan often struggles to connect with his seven-year-old daughter, Olivia. His priorities have skewed towards work, leaving Olivia feeling neglected and unheard. When a life-changing promotion suddenly appears on the horizon, Evan finds himself at a crossroads, balancing his parental duties with the pressures of his corporate obligations.
The plot thickens as he faces fierce competition from his new rival, Johnny Whitefeather, whose unorthodox approach seems to captivate their executive team with outlandish Native American folklore instead of sound business strategies. During this turbulent time, Evan discovers that Olivia possesses a mysterious ability to foresee future business moves through her imaginative play with her blanket, affectionately referred to as the “goo-gaa,” and her invisible friends, Princesses Kupida and Mopida.
To uncover the insights hidden in this whimsical realm, Evan must venture through dense forests, past dragons, and even across invisible bridges leading to fantastical locations like France. What once was a routine life filled with work distractions transforms into a vibrant journey of rediscovery, allowing Evan to embrace his inner child as he engages in play with Olivia, reviving their once neglected bond.
In a climactic showdown for a major corporate position within D.D.E., Evan must turn to Olivia’s imaginary world for guidance yet again. However, a complication arises when Olivia is spending the night away at a friend’s house, leaving him without access to the coveted goo-gaa blanket. With the critical presentation scheduled for the same day as Olivia’s class play, Evan faces the ultimate choice between the demands of business and the needs of his daughter.
Will he repeat past mistakes, prioritizing work over Olivia? Can he still compete with Whitefeather without the all-important goo-gaa? Journey through this heartwarming fantasy comedy alongside Eddie Murphy to find out in Imagine That.
Timeline
Evan's Ordinary Life
Evan Danielson lives a structured life as a successful financial executive, deeply focused on his career ambitions. However, this focus often leaves him disconnected from his seven-year-old daughter, Olivia, who feels neglected in their relationship.
Introduction to Olivia's World
After Olivia introduces Evan to her imaginary world filled with enchanting princesses and a queen, he begins to explore a whimsical adventure. This unexpected journey encourages him to reconsider his priorities and the nature of success in his life.
The Promotion Dilemma
Evan is presented with a potential promotion at his company, which places him at a critical juncture in his career. He must decide whether to pursue this opportunity or prioritize spending quality time with Olivia, who he realizes needs him more than ever.
Rivalry with Johnny Whitefeather
Evan faces stiff competition from Johnny Whitefeather, a new rival whose unorthodox strategies captivate their executives. As Evan grapples with his professional rivalry, he becomes more aware of the need to balance work with his daughter's emotional needs.
Olivia's Unique Gift
Evan discovers that Olivia has a remarkable gift; she can predict future business moves through play with her blanket, the 'goo-gaa'. This revelation invites Evan to tap into her creativity as he navigates his professional challenges.
Adventure in the Imagination
To gain insights from Olivia's imaginary world, Evan embarks on a journey through fantastical realms. He encounters fierce dragons, traverses invisible bridges, and travels to magical places like France, allowing him to reconnect with his inner child.
The Corporate Showdown
As the corporate heat intensifies, Evan prepares for a major presentation that could secure his promotion. The stakes are high, and he realizes that he needs Olivia's imaginative insights more than ever to succeed against Johnny.
Olivia's Absence
Complications arise when Olivia spends the night at a friend's house, leaving Evan without access to the goo-gaa blanket. This absence forces him to confront his reliance on his daughter's imaginative world for his professional success.
Climactic Decision
With the critical presentation coinciding with Olivia’s class play, Evan faces a tough decision. He must choose between prioritizing his daughter's needs or chasing after corporate success, posing a significant test of his values.
A Change of Heart
Ultimately, Evan reflects on his priorities and the importance of being present for Olivia. This leads him to make a heartfelt decision that honors his role as a father over the allure of corporate ambition.
Reconnecting with Family
Evan's journey through the whimsical world and the challenges of parenthood culminate in a joyful effort to reconnect with Olivia. He realizes the value of their relationship outweighs his professional aspirations.
Moving Forward Together
In the end, Evan learns to balance work and family life more effectively. With a newfound appreciation for imagination and play, he vows to be a more involved father, ensuring Olivia never feels neglected again.
Characters
Evan Danielson (Eddie Murphy)
Evan is a successful financial executive who initially prioritizes his work over family, leading to a disconnect with his daughter, Olivia. As the story unfolds, he is forced to reevaluate his life choices and discover the importance of being present for his daughter. He embodies the conflict between ambition and familial love, ultimately seeking to bridge the gap between his corporate aspirations and his duties as a father.
Olivia Danielson
Olivia, Evan's seven-year-old daughter, is imaginative and perceptive, often creating an enchanting world filled with princesses and adventures. Her emotional depth highlights her struggle with feeling neglected by her father. Through her unique ability to foresee business insights, she becomes an essential guide for Evan, reflecting the importance of children's perspectives in adult life.
Johnny Whitefeather (Thomas Haden Church)
Johnny is Evan's new rival in the corporate world, presenting an unorthodox approach that challenges traditional business strategies. His connection to Native American folklore adds a layer of mystique to his character. As a foil to Evan, Johnny represents the disruptive and innovative ideas that challenge the status quo and force Evan to reconsider his methods.
Setting
Time period
The film seems to take place in the present day, as it reflects contemporary family dynamics and corporate environments. Themes of work-life balance in modern society are prevalent, indicating that it addresses issues relevant to today's viewers.
Location
Fantasy World, France
The movie takes viewers into a vibrant fantasy world filled with enchanting princesses and whimsical creatures, which is revealed through Olivia's imagination. This magical realm includes elements like dragons and invisible bridges that serve as metaphors for the complexities of childhood wonder. Additionally, part of the story takes place in France, representing a well-known location often associated with beauty and culture.
Themes
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Work vs Family
A central theme of *Imagine That* is the struggle between career ambitions and family responsibilities. Evan's journey encapsulates the challenges many face in prioritizing work over their personal lives and relationships. As he learns to reconnect with his daughter through her imaginative play, the movie emphasizes the importance of nurturing familial bonds amidst professional pressures.
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Imagination
Imagination plays a critical role in the narrative, serving as the gateway through which Evan rediscover his inner child and the value of creativity. Olivia's imaginative world is not just a playground, but a source of wisdom that guides Evan in making significant life decisions. The exploration of imagination highlights how it can lead to transformative experiences and insights.
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