Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace

This film stars off a little slow but before it goes off you will be tearing up. I found myself having a lump in my throat at the end.. don't want to spoil anything.. if you like good hearted family films this is a classic.

This is not a blockbuster of a movie, in fact it is small and simple with actors who have no big screen credentials. But none of that matters because of the meaningful story. It is about Lucy, a special five year old girl who gets sick a few weeks before Christmas. She has a pneumonia infection that proves to be very difficult. While in the hospital she befriends a man who is incarcerated but needing a kidney.

I see one review calls this a "sad sad sad" movie and I suppose you could look at it that way. But I prefer to look at it as a "happy happy happy" story of redemption and how caring more for others can make great things happen.

The little girl is really good in the role of Lucy, the story was written and the movie directed by her grandpa, no doubt was also the reason for the focus on Lucy and her deceased grandpa in the movie.

My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. It is faith-based all the way and I suppose that will turn off some viewers.

A bit of a slow start and the acting is a bit mechanical at first, but little Lucy is adorable and the end of the movie was very moving. A beautiful reminder that although God does not necessarily saves us from pain, He can use all things to do good. A Christian Christmas feel good movie with a sad yet heartwarming end.

"Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace" is a heartwarming film that beautifully promotes hope and faith. The young actress in the main role delivers an outstanding performance that will tug at your heartstrings. This touching movie left me in tears, reminding us of the power of belief and the beauty of innocence. Is it the best movie I've ever seen? No. Does it warm your heart? Yes! It made me wholeheartedly believe in the power of friendship, hope and faith. Yes the acting from the adults isn't the best by any means, the little girl outshined the lot of them. But if you like a movie that tugs on your heartstrings, give it a watch!

Whether you enjoy this film depends on your ability to ignore the (let's be honest) pretty awful manipulative and syrupy script and soundtrack and focus on the film's message.

It's not a good film in many ways - it's not remotely realistic and works on clichéd tropes. Lucy's pathetic cough made me smile though, the creepy grandpa who seemed to be pining to be back on the ranch, the security guy who appears to oblivious to everything around him and my favourite - Bart who had been polishing the same square of flooring for several years!

But we despite the formulaic offerings, it does make you think about the innocence of children, the bond of families, hope, faith and forgiveness. It would be great to be everyone's friend, wouldn't it?

Alas that little souls such as Lucy Shimmers do not make a difference in this way - but they do on a smaller scale.

So - if you want a proficient and skilful film then you will not get it here but if you are prepared to just go with the sentiment, then go on - have a little weep and offer up some thanks that love comes in so many forms. Films are often a fantasy based on truth and so I am pleased to have met Lucy Shimmers. You might care to meet her too.