The Lamp

A Trost Moving Pictures production and presentation in association with Narrative Television Network and Destiny Image Films. Produced by Jason Stafford. Executive producers, Jim Stovall, Tracy J. Trost. Directed, written by Tracy J. Trost, based on the novel by Jim Stovall.With: Jason London, Meredith Salenger, L. Scott Caldwell, Sarah Brown, Cameron Ten Napel, Muse Watson, Louis Gossett Jr., Steve Forbes.There's a heaping helping of inspirational uplift for family auds to sample in "The Lamp," an innocuous feel-good indie about a deeply depressed man saved by a mystical spirit. Theatrical prospects are dim, even for a limited regional release -- pic is available via VOD -- though there's always the chance that an unabashedly wholesome trifle such as this could strike a responsive chord with those who feel too rarely served by mainstream Hollywood fare. Homevid and niche-cable prospects are appreciably brighter, provided that the producers can successfully direct their marketing toward the same viewers drawn to faith-based fare. That same target aud responded well to "The Ultimate Gift," a 2007 release that, like "The Lamp," was adapted from a popular novel by Jim Stovall. To be sure, the earlier pic soft-pedaled its religious elements -- discussions of faith and God were fleeting, almost subliminal -- and "Lamp" comes off as even more secular. But writer-director Tracy J. Trost aims for pretty much the same type of heart-tugging sentimentality common to dramas in which characters have their prayers answered and hearts lifted. Early scenes depict author Stanley Walters (Jason London) as a man in dire need of a shot at redemption. Two years after helplessly witnessing the accidental death of his young son, he remains so consumed by guilt and grief that he barely can communicate with his wife, Lisa (Meredith Salenger), much less complete a book for which he's been paid a considerable advance. Stanley doesn't begin to emerge from his funk until Lisa fortuitously comes into possession of an ancient oil lamp. By rubbing it, she magically summons Charles Montgomery III (Louis Gossett Jr.), a courtly, spiffily dressed stranger who insists he is "a messenger," not a genie - -- but nevertheless offers to fulfill three wishes for the anxious Lisa and skeptical Stanley. (It should be noted that Charles conspicuously refrains from revealing -- and Stanley and Lisa inexplicably fail to ask -- just whose "messenger" he is.) As it turns out, there's very little magic involved in the resolution of a plot that also involves a beneficent next-door neighbor (L. Scott Caldwell) who cares for foster children and a feisty orphan girl (Cameron Ten Napel) who needs loving parents and a savvy baseball coach. Indeed, the literal-minded dialogue and primary-colored performances throughout "The Lamp" suggest all parties involved were determined to keep things as simple and comprehensible as possible. Thoroughly predictable yet undemandingly pleasant, the pic, handsomely lensed on Oklahoma locations, may benefit from supportive word of mouth and grassroots promotion. Steve Forbes has a silent cameo as Stanley interviews celebs for his book.Camera (color), Randy Stuehm; editor, Stuehm; music, Jason Moore; production designer/art director, Chris Rose; set decorator, Kara Paslay; sound, Kabe Cornell; supervising sound editor, Mark Keefer; assistant director, Jason Stafford; casting, Amber Horn, Danielle Aufiero. Reviewed on DVD, Houston, Aug. 11, 2011. Running time: 95 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com