Cast
View All
Eddie Murphy
as Evan Danielson
Thomas Haden Church
as Johnny Whitefeather
Yara Shahidi
as Olivia Danielson
Ronny Cox
as Tom Stevens
Stephen Rannazzisi
as Noah Kulick
Nicole Ari Parker
as Tricia Danielson
DeRay Davis
as John Strother
Vanessa Williams
as Lori Strother
Martin Sheen
as Dante D'Enzo
Lauren Weedman
as Rose
Timm Sharp
as Tod
Daniel Polo
as Indigo Whitefeather
Stephen Root
as Fred Franklin
Richard Schiff
as Carl Simons
Marin Hinkle
as Miss Davis
Crew
Director
- Karey Kirkpatrick
Writer
- Chris Matheson
- Ed Solomon
Producer
- Lorenzo di Bonaventura
- Ed Solomon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Imagine That examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Karey Kirkpatrick brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Imagine That took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $55.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2338 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 80 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Imagine That shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Luzzu, which focuses more on action than character development, Imagine That subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Making Family and Max Dugan Returns explore similar territory, Imagine That stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 19, 2009
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Budget: $55,000,000
- Revenue: $23,000,000
Where to Watch
