The Lamp

Movie review by Brian Costello, Common Sense Media
The Lamp Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Faith-based twist on the genie-in-a-bottle story.

NR 2011 92 minutes
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this film about making your dreams come true is oriented around a family dealing with the grief of losing a child. It has some arguments and implied violence that might be difficult for younger viewers. The movie has a strong faith-oriented theme that could inspire some and turn off others.

Community Reviews

robbhicks
robbhicks Adult
July 21, 2019
age 14+

A heartwarming story about loss, grief, and choosing to let go of the past.

This is a story about a real family, dealing with real struggles, and shows the viewer what happens when someone gets stuck in grieving the loss of a loved one. When healthy people get emotionally stuck, they know to seek help, keep talking through it, or work through the issue with the help of a therapist or church paraprofessional. Others -- like one of the characters of this story -- may be too distraught or stubborn to ask for help. That often wreaks relational havoc on the loved ones still living, and it will continue doing so until the individual either self-destructs or experiences some form of emotional disruption that jolts him or her back into the present. Watch the film to see how a magic lamp (actually the needs of the child next door) gets the character out of himself -- his recovery begins the moment he starts thinking more about the concerns of another than he does his own, and it is complete once he is able to sacrificially love another. I disagree with the Common Sense reviewer, who described this as a 'faith-based' story. There is not a single mention of God, for example, and the characters are never seen praying, reading scripture, or going to church. If anything, the storyline centering around 'just believe' could just as easily be experienced as a theme of Marianne Williamson's latest book or the name-it-and-claim-it crowd.

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What's the Story?

Stanley (Jason London), a successful writer, sinks into depression after the tragic death of his son, Eddy. Two years later, his career is falling apart, his bills are unpaid, and the grief is ending his marriage to his wife, Lisa (Meredith Salenger). But when an oil lamp is donated to a yard sale by their neighbor Miss Esther (L. Scott Caldwell), a "genie" named Charles (Louis Gossett Jr.) arrives and grants them wishes, under the condition that they "just believe." While the wishes can't bring back their son (that's part of the contract they sign), Charles gives them 30 days to decide what they believe is most important in life. For the next month, Stanley and Lisa -- with the help of the foster child next door -- begin to learn what they value most and how they can achieve these dreams if they, as it says on the oil lamp, "just believe."

Is It Any Good?

Families looking for a wholesome, faith-based story about characters coming to grips with their misfortunes, need look no further than THE LAMP. It's a simple tale of believing in yourself and your own resources and initiative to improve your standing in life. It has a clear and inspiring lesson to impart, and the story is the conduit toward the message.

That said, families seeking something more than a message in their movie-watching may want to look elsewhere. Even with its twist on a classic theme, The Lamp drags in parts, and the story isn't the most original or creative. Families who have experienced adoption may especially find some of the film's story to be forced and far-fetched.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about wishes. How might you make your wishes come true? What's the role of other people -- or faith in a higher power -- in making dreams come true?

  • Charles says that "all things are possible if you just believe." What is an example of this in your own life?

  • Talk about grief. How do the characters in the movie deal with grief? How realistic is their struggle?

Movie Details

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