Gooby

Gooby

Year: 2009

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: Wilson Coneybeare

FamilyFantasyComedy

When 11‑year‑old Willy faces his new home, he imagines it teeming with hostile alien forces. Desperate for protection, his wish summons Gooby—a towering, orange, shaggy creature who is as scared of the world as Willy. Together they embark on a series of hair‑raising escapades, discovering the true strength of friendship, and ultimately reunite Willy with his father in an emotional climax.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Gooby (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Gooby (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

The events occur in modern times, with everyday details like a cellphone call and a nanny, set around Halloween. The narrative centers on a typical family trying to adjust to a move and a new school year. The blend of mundane life and magical mischief keeps the story rooted in the present day.

Location

Willy's new suburban house, Willy's school, Father's childhood home

The story unfolds across a quiet suburban neighborhood centered on Willy's family moving into a new house. The new home becomes the backdrop for Willy's struggles with change, fear of imaginary creatures, and the arrival of Gooby. Scenes also take place at Willy's school and, later, in his father's childhood home, highlighting the contrast between his family life and the past. The setting emphasizes a family trying to balance work, school, and a sense of belonging.

🏠 Suburban 🏫 School 🕰️ Nostalgia

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:39

Main Characters – Gooby (2009)

Meet the key characters of Gooby (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Willy (Luke Bilyk)

An 11-year-old boy anxious about moving to a new home and starting at a new school, who clings to the idea that creatures lurk. He is brave enough to befriend Gooby and eventually learns to open up to his parents. Willy's loyalty drives much of the story as he navigates fear, friendship, and family dynamics.

🧒 Child 🏠 Relocation 🪄 Imagination

Gooby (Robbie Coltrane)

A nearly six-foot-tall talking teddy bear who wants to help Willy but also fears losing him to his new life. Gooby alternates between mischief and care, revealing the complexities of protective friendship. His journey mirrors Willy's growth as he learns to share his fear with others.

🧸 Teddy Bear 🗝️ Helper 🧭 Protective

Mr. Nerdlinger (Eugene Levy)

A fame-seeking children's author who becomes obsessed with photographing Gooby. He represents the danger of adult vanity intruding on a child's world. His antics push Willy toward a reckoning about what matters most—family and friendship.

🎭 Ambition 📷 Exploitation 🧩 Showmanship

Jack Dandridge (David James Elliott)

Willy's father, a hard-working parent who learns to slow down and prioritize his son's well-being. He acts as the stabilizing force that helps Willy through fear and change. His response to Gooby and the incident reflects a thoughtful, protective father.

👨 Father 🕰️ Work-life Balance 🛟 Protector

Mrs. Donnelly (Elle Downs)

A motherly figure in Willy's world who supports the family as they adjust to the move. She plays a key role in encouraging the family to value time together over constant striving. Her presence reinforces the film's message about nurturing relationships.

👩 Neighbor 🫶 Supportive 🏡 Family

Little Girl (Avery Bisbee)

Acknowledges Gooby's departure as she becomes the new recipient of Willy's care, symbolizing how the community can be touched by the arc of friendship. Her role marks a gentle, hopeful ending where Gooby moves on to help another child. She embodies kindness and openness to extraordinary encounters.

👧 Child ❤️ Kindness 🕊️ Hope

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:39

Major Themes – Gooby (2009)

Explore the central themes of Gooby (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪄 Imagination

Imagination acts as both a shield and a source of conflict for Willy. Gooby, a talking teddy bear, arises from Willy's fears and fantasies and gradually helps him navigate real feelings of loneliness. The film treats imagination as a coping tool that can blur lines between fantasy and reality, until it becomes a bridge to family.

🏠 Family

The movie centers on parental care and the need to re-prioritize family time. Willy's parents realize that success at work cannot replace presence with their son, leading to a shift in priorities. The resolution emphasizes togetherness and support after a period of distance.

🧸 Friendship

Willy's bond with Gooby drives the story forward, teaching him to trust and form connections. Gooby's desire to protect Willy is tested by his own loneliness and jealousy of Willy's new friends. The arc culminates in a selfless goodbye, showing that friendship can aid growth even when it ends.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:39

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Gooby Summary

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Gooby Summary

Gooby Timeline

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Gooby Timeline

Gooby Spoiler-Free Summary

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Gooby Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Gooby

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Gooby (2009) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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