LITTLE BOY is a profoundly moving family film that is sure to move your heart . . .

Little Boy
Starring Jakob Salvati, Michael Rapaport
In theaters April 24
Run time: 112 min
Rated: PG-13

When I was growing up in the ’70s, it seemed like good family movies arrived at our local single-screen movie theater every other week. Our family didn’t see many on the silver screen, but instead waited until they arrived on broadcast television (usually five to seven years).

So much has changed. Movies are on DVD or streaming within six months of hitting theaters, but the wait between good family films has become five to seven years! Well, the wait is almost over. The makers of Bella, the refreshing pro-life movie that has saved hundreds of babies’ lives since its release in 2006, are back with a patriotic film that honors faith, family and fatherhood.

In small-town California during World War II, seven-year-old Pepper Busbee (Salvati) and his father James (Rapaport) are about as close as can be. The family expects that Pepper’s older brother London (David Henrie) will go off to fight in the Pacific. But when he’s rejected, the boy’s father is called up to fight.

Devastated, the little boy decides that he will do whatever it takes to bring his dad home alive. After initially blaming a local Japanese man (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) for his father’s plight, Pepper develops a surprising friendship with him. The boy’s inspiration comes from two priests (Tom Wilkinson and Eduardo Verástegui). The elder priest gives Pepper an assignment: Perform all of the corporal works of mercy — and pray for his father’s safe return.

Little Boy highlights themes of faith, hope and love in the face of adversity. This moving story will capture your heart and lift your spirits as it explores the profound love between father and son. More than that, this story honors the Catholic faith and is sure to bring a smile to your face and help you see the world differently.

PATRICK NOVECOSKY is Legatus magazine’s editor-in-chief.

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