Jakob Salvati enjoys a poetic life in a small American town, but his world collapses when his beloved father Michael Rapaport is taken to fight in World War II. But the opportunity to meet with a playwright (Ben Chaplin) awakens his inert abilities and attests to the power of faith. Now his devotion to his father will extend from time and space to the world of miracles.
It's meant to be a tale of uplift for faith-based audiences, but instead wears viewers down with a heavy-handed narrative, an overbearing score and voiceover that spells out everything in cringe-inducing, folksy tones.
While its religious context may prove off putting for some viewers, it's a heart-warming tear jerker for the family, or those who just want to see a boy fight for his dad to come home.
Despite boasting several important moral lessons, the period piece is more artificial than a polyester teddy bear stuffed with Splenda and Cheez Whiz - and about as appealing
The twists and turns may feel a little forced, and a few moments might even be shocking. But Little Boy squeezes the most it can from a quality cast and the best of intentions.
The audience at which Little Boy is aimed will have no problem assimilating the film's themes of faith and miracles. But there's also plenty to admire here for those less inclined to buy into the filmmakers' worldview.
