This is a fable* about the power of faith to change history.

    The film is set in a fictional* small town called Ohaire, California. Although it is a close-knit community, not everything is great in Ohaire. Our young hero, Pepper Flint Busbee (Jakob Salvati), is mocked* by his classmates because he is short.

    The story gets under way when Pepper’s father and protector (Michael Rapaport) goes off to war and then is reported missing in action, probably a Japanese prisoner. Pepper, who is nicknamed “Little Boy,” is desperate* to have his father return, and the local priest (Tom Wilkinson) encourages him to believe that if he has enough faith, he may be able to change the course of the war.

    When Pepper sets out to show to the townspeople that he does have the strength to uproot* the terrain, an earthquake happens. Later the war comes to an end as a result of an atomic bomb given the name Little Boy, and the townspeople come to believe in the power of Pepper.

    Not only humorous, the film gives some social criticism. One of the town residents is a Japanese man released from an internment camp. He is rejected by the community, but the priest asks Pepper to be his friend.

    These lessons in tolerance* may not be new, but they give the film some moments of power.

    In addition to the always good Wilkinson, the cast includes another Oscar nominee, Emily Watson, who gives a moving performance as the boy’s mother. Kevin James plays against type effectively as a lonely widower*. Young Salvati is lovely. David Henrie as his more racist brother creates a complex character, and Hiroyuki-Tagawa contributes a dignified* portrayal.

    Technical credits are strong, but the movie, though well-meaning and even thoughtful, is just a little too gooey*.(SD-Agencies)