Big things come in little packages!
Every once-in-a-while there’s a film that touches you. One of the best things about being a film aficionado is allowing one’s mind, body, and soul to just float away with whatever it is you’re taking in. Whether dramatic, mysterious, comedic, or even horrific, it’s the power of a film’s execution what makes it worth your while. From story to dialogue, to cast and editing, it becomes even that much more powerful when it’s coming from a piece that’s simple, subtle, and doesn’t provide any overrated special effects, loud explosions, or implausible actions.
2015 has seen its first quarter of cinematic pieces come and go. All with their own artistic purpose, but none as uniquely beautiful as Alejandro Monteverde’s LITTLE BOY…
Set in the 1940s, with a Norman Rockwellish tone, the film focuses on a little boy named Pepper (Jakob Salvati) who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad back home from WWII in one piece, but most importantly alive. Running a gauntlet of complexities, Pepper’s hope and courage begins to set off a display among those who surround him as he gradually reveals his indescribable love for his loving, caring father.
Clearly a tug-at-the-heart kinda film, to say LITTLE BOY is heartwarming wouldn’t be enough. Beautifully executed, this film is a total winner. Good cast, great story, and last but not least a loving message about hope and wonder that lives within us all in one way, shape, or form. Its religious undertones are blatant, but that didn’t lower its magic for me as someone who’s non-religious. However, added points for LITTLE BOY came from allowing the audience to take in a wonderful performance by Jakob. One I feel should have some form of recognition come award season.Â
No matter where this falls among “box office spectrum,†this is a solid, cinematic classic I recommend everyone watch at some point in their lives.
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Grade: A / Genre: Drama, Comedy / Rated: PG-13 / Run Time: 1 Hr. 25 Min.
Starring: Jakob Salvati, Emily Watson, Kevin James, Michael Rapaport, Tom Wilkinson
Directed by: Alejandro Monteverde
