Little Boy

Just when you thought it was time for all the big-budget films--hence it's the summer season, out comes a small inspirational film to truly knock your socks off. Sure, there have been many of these films in recent past ("Heaven is For Real", "Spare Parts", even "The Age of Adaline"), but there is something expressly compelling and irresistible about "Little Boy" that will leave you with a warm heart.

This is a powerful and moving film about a little boy, Pepper Busbee (Jakob Salvati), who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad, James (Michael Rapaport) home from WWII alive. The heartwarming story will capture your heart and lift your spirits as it reveals the indescribable love a little boy has for his father and the love a father has for his son. Set in the 1940's, this kid has few friends due to his shortness (he's only 39"), so receiving encouragement to pursue his journey in attempting to bring his dad home makes this a challenge to say the least. He really has only a few to encourage and help toward that end including Father Oliver (Tom Wilkinson), his mother, Emma (Emily Watson) and Hashimoto (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa). Even Hashimoto becomes a friend reluctantly, considering Asian people were treated like the enemy--it being during WWII. This film mostly captures the wonder of life through the eyes of an 8-year-old boy and ends up teaching us all about faith, hope and love in the face of adversity.

Others to round out the cast are Kevin James as Dr. Fox, David Henrie as London Busbee, the little boy's big brother, Ben Chaplin as Ben Eagle, an illusionist, Eduardo Verastegul as Father Crispin, Ted Levine as Sam, Abraham Benrubi as Teacup, Matthew Miller as Freddy Fox, Dr. Fox's unruly son, Ali Landry as Ava and Toby Huss as Col. Bob.

This was wonderfully directed by Alejandro Monteverde ("Bella" '06) plus two shorts. It is incredible to believe that this was directed by a filmmaker with the limited experience that this guy exuded. The emotions emitted from these actors not only ran the gambit, but were so real in their execution as well. I know I can be a bit critical when it comes to the writing of films, however this being written by Monteverde ("Bella" '06) and Pepe Portillo (Two shorts) was credible, thought provoking, well thought out, cohesive, and had a simple, but incredible story we all can relate to on one level or another. And this shows that when we are encouraged by those few around us, that we will believe we can succeed in whatever we do, and if we're around those that belittle, are super critical, negative, than we will probably go that route also. This is such a simple concept in life that sometimes we need to see films like these to remind us what we should already know. It's the basics folks--you can't beat 'em. These guys will assuredly receive more work--I know I will see anything else with there names on it.

Hopefully these filmmakers aren't just 'one night wonders' and this was just a fluke. However, on the other hand, how can one wite and direct this well by mere chance? Life is not that much of a crap shoot. Enjoy this gem!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                  Rated: PG-13                                    106mins.