What do you get when you combine whimsy, enchantment, singing, dancing, and an exuberant group of diverse actors who seem to love every minute they’re on camera? Lillie’s Light: The Movie, a delightful children’s musical adventure, is the answer. As an avid movie musical fan, I’ve never seen a film quite like this one. And I loved every minute of it. In fact, I sang and danced along with the characters while watching a screener of this amazing movie.

Major thanks go to Sherry Hursey, the film’s creator, who also co-wrote and stars as Lilly, the keeper of an enchanted lighthouse where foster children learn how to help each other and to be positive about the possibilities awaiting them.  

Hursey portrays Lilly as a Mary Poppins on speed. And I mean that as a compliment. Instead of preaching, Lilly listens – and, of course –sings. She never talks down to the children. She converses with them in an empathetic way. She may be magical, but she’s down-to-earth about the problems foster children face.  And Lilly involves everyone in her energetic musical routines.

Possibilities come to light

as Lilly shares her magic sight.

“Lilly’s Light: The Movie” brings joy

to every girl and every boy.

The music makes us sing and dance.

Yes, Lilly puts us in a trance.

But nowhere else I’d rather be

than in her pleasant company.

Imagination fills the screen

in each unique creative scene.

Come one, come all to this movie.

You’ll be delighted just like me!

Colorful creative sets add to the visual appeal of Lilly’s Light: The Movie as do the unique creatures who pop in and out to make us laugh. A talking pelican and pig are hard to resist. Also, the funny “curmudgeons” get their humorous times on camera.

And I can’t omit mentioning the film’s wonderful original songs, including contributions by Kenny Loggins and Steve Dorff.   

Finally, the multi-racial cast members deserve praise for their total commitment to this project. The children do a great job of tugging at our heartstrings while also passing along the movie’s joyful spirit.     

The big surprise for me involved the late great Fred Willard’s appearance in one fantasy segment. I won’t spoil it for you. Just watch for him. You won’t be sorry. How lovely that this film is dedicated to Willard, a terrific entertainer

FilmRise worked with Gathr at Home to release Lilly’s Light: The Movie this year (2020) to coincide with UN International Children’s Day celebrations and National Adoption Month. It’s a perfect choice for a worthy cause!

(Released by FilmRise. Not rated by MPAA.)

NOTE: Watch Lilly’s Light: The Movie anytime now via Gathr at Home. Here's the link - https://gathr.us/screening/31704, Special after movie activities/extras are also listed on that site.