“Little Man” is a comedy fueled by absurdity and slapstick and stars Calvin Sims, a diminutive crook who’s let go from prison and promptly finds himself embroiled in a series of whirl-crazing schemes. His dim witted partner Percy convinces him to steal a valuable diamond, for a mobster named Walken. Calvin hides the diamond in a woman’s purse and a series of frantic pursuits and mistaken identities ensues. Darryl and Vanessa Edwards are a happily married couple who take in the infant, Calvin, who has been left at their home, only to discover he is a baby with a secret. The film then follows the hilarious and unpredictable series of events that ensue as Calvin attempts to retrieve the diamond while contending with the impression that he is a helpless baby, and climaxes with numerous moments of comedy.
Sucked from the surface sillyness, ‘Little Man’ tells the story of redemption, family and belonging. At first, Calvin is motivated by selfish reasons but eventually he falls in love with the family who accepts him. The tale illustrates the power of unexpected connections and emphasizes the importance of being kind and accepting despite outward appearances. Where the film gets over the top funny, it gets equally heartfelt as in scenes where Calvin begins to feel remorse and appreciation for love, as a result of being treated differently. These moments provide a deeper level to the comedic, which makes it more than just a string of jocular moments.
The movie is also quite visual and energetic, with humour maintained through physical comedy, over-the-top acting and a playful direction. Its humour is occasionally over-the-top, wide-ranging, but ultimately a feel-good message of the importance of family and second chances. The final scene, in which Calvin shows his emotional bond with the family, was also quite touching and a reminder to the audience that love and friendship can still grow in the most wild of stories. A silly, but sweet-hearted comedy on the theme of belonging in the right places.
