Year: 2009
Runtime: 107 min
Language: English
Director: Karey Kirkpatrick
Budget: $55M
A dedicated workaholic, Evan Danielson, unexpectedly reconnects with his young daughter, Olivia. Through her extraordinary imagination, they embark on incredible, fantastical journeys together. As Evan experiences these adventures, he begins to re-evaluate his priorities and rediscover the joy of fatherhood, learning valuable lessons about life and the power of imagination.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Imagine That (2009), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
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.
Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 17:25
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where a child's vibrant imagination transforms the adult world.Explore movies like Imagine That where a child's extraordinary imagination leads to real-world adventures and personal growth. If you enjoyed the blend of fantasy and heartfelt family dynamics, these films offer similar uplifting and whimsical journeys.
The narrative typically revolves around an adult, often preoccupied or disconnected, who is pulled into the imaginative world of a child. Through these fantastical experiences, the adult character undergoes a transformation, learning valuable lessons about life, relationships, and joy, leading to a positive resolution of their personal conflict.
These films are grouped together for their shared core premise of a child's imagination having a tangible, magical impact on reality. They consistently feature a whimsical tone, light emotional weight, and a hopeful, happy ending, creating a comforting and uplifting viewing experience centered on the power of creativity.
Heartwarming tales of stressed professionals finding purpose through their children.Discover films similar to Imagine That that explore the theme of a work-obsessed parent learning life's most important lessons from their child. If you liked the story of Evan reconnecting with Olivia, these movies offer the same heartfelt redemption arc and focus on work-life balance.
The plot follows a predictable but satisfying arc: a successful but emotionally distant parent faces a professional crisis. Forced to spend time with their child, they initially struggle but gradually form a deep bond. The child's simple perspective helps the parent see the emptiness of their career-driven life, culminating in a conscious choice to embrace family, often leading to professional success as well.
These movies share a core character archetype and redemption journey. They balance the tension of corporate life with the warmth of family bonds, resulting in a steady-paced, medium-intensity narrative with a consistently uplifting and happy conclusion that reaffirms the value of personal connections over professional accolades.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Imagine That in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Imagine That is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Imagine That with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Imagine That. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Imagine That that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Imagine That: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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