Simon Birch Reviews

• Uplifting, Challanging Film - made me laugh, made me cry

  
  By A3QLQB0FBL3Q8J on 2002-01-02
  "Simon Birch" is an outstanding story of 2 young boys growing up under difficult circumstances which have them labeled as outsiders. Simon, a dwarf whose parents wouldn't seem to mind if he simply disappeared, holds onto his belief that God has a special purpose in store for him (to be a hero)and unashamedly lets everyone know about it. Joe, his best friend, wants only to find his real father, whose identity his mother refuses to reveal.

  Apparently, this is not a faithful adaption to the book, but I found it to be very enjoyable. There are many laugh out loud moments (Simon in church; the Christmas play) and some real tear-jerkers (Simon on the bridge screaming "I'm sorry" in his shrill little voice). The movie is well cast with both young actors doing a terrific job, as does Oliver Platt as the admirable father figure to the boys. Ashley Judd is simply stunning as the strong, independent single-mom with a heart of gold.

  The movie says some interesting things about faith, belief and serendipity, but its not likely to convince you if such things do not interest you in the first place. For example, Simon is shown as having more faith than even the local minister, yet he frequently curses and is quite enamored of a young classmates's breasts. I imagine this could come across as either true to life (we can have the faith of a child but still be imperfect) or very off-putting and hypocritical. I thought the film examined some interesting points about God and belief while being very entertaining and uplifting.

  Highly recommended! Also check out "My Dog Skip" for another nostalgic look at childhood and "The Jerk" for another take on having a "special purpose".
  
  

• Forced...

  
  By A1LVZOK9F7K4CN on 2004-12-17
  I'm one of the people who have read A Prayer for Owen Meany before seeing this movie. As soon as I saw the credit, "SUGGESTED by a novel by John Irving," I knew I was in trouble. This is obvious, as there is no character named "Simon Birch" in the book. Is it a good adaptation of the book? No. But it is unfair to judge a movie only in comparison to its source-material. Does it stand on its own? Well...NO! Holy cow, does this film NOT know what it wants to be. It tries to be sentimental and farcical at the same time. The jokes are "punched-up" by the dopey music on the soundtrack. It falls into a category of desperately sentimental, middle-brow, coming-of-age-in-a-small-town movies. It's the type of film a sewing circle might label "nice."
  
  Perhaps I'm being too hard on it. The film isn't awful - it's just not that good. The insult is that it was based on such a wonderful novel. Too many moments ring false and are forced for me to recommend it.
  
  
  

• Watch the film. Read the book!

  
  By on 2000-01-24
  I had to see Simon Birch from the moment I realized it was based on my favorite novel of all time: A Prayer For Owen Meany. I had an almost private screening - since I was only one of four to buy a ticket for the afternoon's matinee. I can't tell you in this small space how the story of Simon moved me. Simon's faith is pure and beautiful. It is encouraging, honest and inspiring. See the movie. Show it to the kids in your life. Help them (and yourself) to see the promise and purpose in their lives. If you are at all moved, and haven't already done so, read John Irving's A Prayer For Owen Meany. Of Course the novel couldn't be accurately portrayed on the screen, that's okay. I'm glad that no one attempted to put Owen on the screen. He's alive in the hearts and minds of those touched by the novel. Simon is now alive in my heart, too.
  
  

• Great tale

  
  By A2QGRE376QBRV5 on 2000-08-07
  The movie opens with Jim Carrey at the grave of his old friend Simon Birch. I was a bit suprised to see Carrey in here, because I hate him. But in this film he did a great job narrating, he gave a great feel to the movie. You usually don't get to the point of a movie till the end, but Carrey just comes right out and tells us all what he found in Mr. Birch. He found faith, he found God.

  Carrey tells us the story of his childhood and his dwarf friend Simon Birch, played wonderfully by whoever played him. They are typical twelve year olds, just beginning to appreciate women. I can't really tell you much about this movie except if you liked movies like "The Christmas Story" and "Stand By Me" you'll love this one. It has that nostolgic feel to it. It also is very funny and very sad. Also stars Ashley Judd (who shines), Oliver Platt (who for once gets to play a real good guy), David Straitharn, and Jan Hooks (she should do more movies). All in all, it's a great movie that keeps you watching. See it.
  
  

• Touching and heartwarming!

  
  By A1LDIMQISH07WK on 2001-09-09
  I loved SIMON BIRCH. So far, I've seen it twice: once in the theaters, and once on video. Both times it gave me watery eyes at the end! I usually don't cry when watching movies. If the film is really sad, then I might just get watery eyes. That's the closet to crying that I get when watching movies.

  SIMON BIRCH is about two very different best friends growing up in the '60s. Joe Wenteworth (Joseph Mazzello) is your typical twelve-year-old boy in search for the identity of his father, a secret his young, beautiful mother, Rebecca Wenteworth (Ashley Judd) has been keeping from him ever since he was born. Simon Birch (Ian Michael Smith) is also twelve years old, but he's much shorter than most twelve-year-olds. In fact, he is a dwarf (or midgit) who had a heart defect when he was born. Simon's parents don't care about him at all, and so he usually spends most of his time with Joe's family. Everyone in town makes fun of Simon because of his short size and unique personality, always insisting that God has a plan for everyone and that he will one day become a hero, as God planned for him. Jim Carrey narrates the story as the adult Joe. His role surprised me a lot because Jim Carrey usually plays wacky, hilarious roles instead of serious ones. Rebecca also ends up bringing home a boyfriend, Ben (Oliver Pratt), who the young Joe dislikes but learns to like him in the end.

  SIMON BIRCH is just a really amazing, inspiring film. All the actors are at their best - each one deserves Oscars! The real star of the film is Joseph Mazzello, who has always been a favorite actor of mine. I'm waiting for him to make another movie. Hopefully he will, soon! Ian Michael Smith is perfect in his debut film role. Ashley Judd has never played her part so well, and Oliver Pratt is also amazing. Even Jim Carrey is really good! The storyline and script are solid and deliver a very powerful message. I just cannot describe how much I love this film. The scenery is breath-taking, too! I strongly recommend that you go and rent this film. Better yet, buy it! You will not be disappointed.
  
  

• Have the Kleenex ready
  By A109YNRKI4BFEE on 2004-11-22
  I loved this movie! By now I'm sure you've read enough reviews to know what the story is about, so I'm not going to go there. I just want to say that Ian Michael Smith is incredible! He plays the role with such vitality that you wonder if he's acting at all. What I loved most about the character of Simon Birch is that he wasn't a victim. Sure, he was made fun of, but for the most part, he was a "normal" boy, with many of the same thoughts as other boys his age. Joseph Mazzello, whom you might recognize from "Jurassic Park," delivers a heart-wrenching performance at the end. Ashley Judd illuminates the screen in an all too-short role, and Oliver Platt is as likable as ever. This is a wonderful movie, and sure to touch the heart of even the most stony creature.
  
  
• Jules review of a lifechanging movie
  By on 2003-09-28
  I went to see Simon Birch with my best girlfriend
  I have a disability in which I am only 3 ft tall
  I could totally relate to Simon Birch and everything he felt
  It was a life changing movie for me and touched my very soul
  The only thing with my life is that I came from a loving family and Simon did not but the relationship that I had with his best friend was similar to the one simon had with his best friend.
  Please do yourself a favour and see this movie
  Simon Birch lives on in my heart forever
  
  
• A Prayer For Owen Meany vs. Simon Birch
  By A2MIPN0W8K0KYX on 2003-12-02
  I don't even know where to being. Upon completion of the book A Prayer For Owen Meany, I found my previous adoration for the film slowely spiraling downward. I actually believe this film is a slap in the face to Irving's story. Ian Michael Smith has taken an amazing tale of heroism, faith, and humantiy and dumbed it down into a syrupy sweet family sob story.

  Don't see the movie. Instead, take in the story with Irving's amazing words.
  
  

• If you loved the book then skip this movie.
  By A1JVHGE3ADUMF9 on 2002-12-24
  Like many, I consider "A Prayer for Owen Meany" to be a wonderful and powerful book. This adaptation (only 'inspired by' the book after, I understand, Irving sued to remove his name from the project) captures some of the scenes from the book very well. However, it departs from the book often and significantly, and each departure is a tragic mistake. Granted, it is extremely difficult, although not impossible, to adapt an Irving novel. Nonetheless, if you enjoyed the book as much as I did, then you risk feeling dissapointed and angry, as I did, if you watch this movie.
  
  
• Extraordinary
  By A1TUD12RVZ6VJM on 2003-01-18
  This is my favorite movie of all time because of it's ability to make your heart melt. When I saw this for the first time, I cried twice. The ending is the saddest...I couldn't believe such a tragedy would occur. This is one those movies that make you appreciate life more and makes you want to slap yourself for not living life to the fullest. Believe it or not, this film made me change my life for the better. It had such a great message and lots of heart. "Simon Birch" is one of the best movies of all time, in my opinion. This movie just grabs you by the heart and seems to tell you to live a better life and to appreciate people more. This movie will live on forever in my heart, as well as the characters that had been beautifully acted. I recommend this movie to anyone who likes to cry and needs something to lighten up their day!
  
  
• Not like the book...and that's a good thing
  By A2RBH8859F6R95 on 2004-12-16
  If you loved the book, this movie probably isn't for you. The book wasn't that great in the first place and would have made a lousy movie if adapted literally. The filmmakers took the the filmable parts of the book, tweeked them, and made a really sweet movie. Is it manipulative? Sure. But what's so wrong about that? It is what it is and doesn't pretend to be anything else. So, the literary purists can keep the book. I'll watch this movie over and over before I'll reread the book.
  
  
• An Offbeat, Crude, Warm, Interesting, Satisfying Film!
  By A2BPV940SGYGNR on 2005-09-17
  "Simon Birch" is unlike any movie I've seen before. It's about frindship, being different, overcoming obstacles, and trying to discern God's purpose in our lives in the midst of a seemingly chaotic, random, and often cruel world. Ian Michael Smith, Joseph Mazzello, & Oliver Platt all give memorable performances. I also appreciated Jim Carrey's work. Highly recommended.
  
  
• For those who have read Owen Meany
  By A3NVEMEK32CY0R on 2001-11-29
  This is a note to those of you who have read A Prayer for Owen Meany:
  This movie does not do the book justice at all. For some reason, wonderful plot points are removed and replaced with trite silliness. If you have read the book and want to see the movie, rent it. It will be very disappointing for you to buy it.
  For those who have not read it but are reading this, I recommend the book. It is a wonderful book. The movie might have been all right had I not read the book, but in comparison, it is awful.
  
  
• An insult to a fabulous book
  By on 2004-03-09
  Owen Meany is one of my absolute favorite books. Seeing this movie left me stunned. How could anyone destroy John Irving's wonderful story? Other than a few individual scenes, this movie has none of the spirit, power, or story of the book. Consider that Irving wanted his name completely removed from this project and that should tell you something about the quality of this film.
  
  
• What's up with the amazon.com review?
  By A3B64JVLDOHEQV on 2004-08-06
  After seeing this movie, and then reading the amazon.com reviewer's 'scathing' review of this film, I had to shake my head and just think, man, she must have just had a horrible day when she watched this to give this movie such an unsympathetic review. It is truly a great and inspiring and tenderhearted film, and I highly recommend it. It is bittersweet to observe the unfortunate circumstances and misunderstandings Simon had to deal with in his life, yet it is utterly triumphant to see how his faith in God and personal strength that comes from that faith makes him an overcoming hero. Don't listen to the amazon.com 'official reviewer', see it for yourself and enjoy!
  
  
• Very poor adaptation of the book
  By A3T769B249IZIT on 2004-11-15
  Having been astounded by A Prayer for Owen Meany, I was hoping for a movie that would capture the spirit of the book. The book is a multi-level story covering many years and much growth and change in the two main characters, Owen and Joe. The story is so engrossing that I cried at the end, which I haven't done in many years of reading. I cared about the characters, I cared about the decisions and indecision, I cared about their struggles and their day to day ramblings.
  
  Simon Birch does not do the story justice. As is typical the meat of the story is wiped out, and a pseudo-mythology put in its place. Yes Owen Meany (renamed Simon Birch for the movie) becomes a hero, but not at such a young age. He must suffer and grow and learn before death takes him and not in the peaceful glow of a hospital. Joe doesn't end up married with a son, and a smug, rememberance of his best friend. He has been marred by his life and is still dealing with it. Why is it that screenwriters think movie goers don't want to engage with the story and walk away thinking about what was presented to them?
  
  If you want something that is engaging, makes you think, cry and evaluate how you're living your life, then get the book and forget this Hollywood fantasy.
  
  
• SIMON BIRCH: A HERO FOR ALL TIME!
  By on 1999-04-03
  Ian Michael Smith and Joseph Mazzello, the memorable starts of Simon Birch, create an amazingly effective on-screen portrayal of lasting friendship in this underappreciated movie--a gem worth watching and re-watching with the people you love. Though the movie is so unlike the novel it was based on (*A Prayer for Owen Meany* by John Irving) that the characters' names were changed, the video capably stands on its own: Simon Birch, like Owen Meany, is a gritty hero with a heart full of faith, a puzzling boy with a destiny--and no one can dissuade him from following his life purpose. Simon's outsized wit is larger than life, housed in a miniature body that his Sunday School buddies lift high above their heads with surprisingly little effort. His odd-sounding voice irritates even as it informs people that Simon can be very SERIOUS. I thank God--and John Irving--for this classic story. Both the video and the book are among my favorites: I highly recommend both. If you're willing to temporarily abandon your cynical side, you may find yourself cheering for Simon (and Owen) in spite of the wild absurdities contained in this remarkable, mystical tale.
  
  
• Strongly Recommended
  By A1AYUY2SXB4JY8 on 2000-10-07
  Simon Birch is one of those movies that yes, it does have a couple things out of place like a little launguage and sexual innuendos, but at the end of the movie you aren't thinking about any of that stuff unless you are reminded. Simply put- the movie is brilliant.

  Ian Michael Smith plays Simon Birch very well- although I think his part was so well written that it would have been hard not to play in well. But the real star of this movie, in my opinion, is Joseph Mazzello. Joe can take any part that is written and make it his own and in many cases make the movie- it's no wonder Speilberg changed the kids in Jurassic Park so that Joe could play in it. However, this movie out of all of his (yes, even including The Cure) is probably his most well-acted. His maturity shows in this movie compared to say, The River Wild. It is really a shame that we haven't seen anything from Joe since this.

  For Joe Mazzello fans, this and the Cure are must owns. However, this movie appeals to a wide audience (someone has made the comment they couldn't figure out whether this was meant to appeal to adults or kids- I say both) and would be a good family film if you are willing to look past a small amount of launguage and a couple sexual comments/situations that are mainly just to show what kids are like for those that have forgot (I'd say most kids above 11 or so could easily handle this).
  
  

• "It's funny 'cause he's so short!"
  By A39L5T2ZQZ52FN on 2001-07-06
  Simon Birch tries to be a heartwarming drama, and in some small ways suceeds. The two main characters are Simon (a boy with congenital dwarfism) and his best friend. A various points in the movie they have deep conversations, which are touching and thought provoking, without the excessive sentiment and emotionality that tends to characterize (and ruin) most modern dramas. Unfortunately, there is little else in the movie to recommend it. For one thing, Simon is difficult to like. Half of the movie he complains about how no one takes him seriously because of his small stature. For the other half he is acting like a jerk, swearing at people, goosing girls, flipping people off, and all the time you can practically hear the director off screen saying "No, it's not rude, its funny because he's so short." Sorry, but a jerk is a jerk, no matter how tall he is. Also, the film's "dramatic highlights" are so unrealistic and off-the-wall they seem absurd compared to the overall serious tone of the movie, like comic relief you're not supposed to laugh at. A prime example is Simon's objection to doughnuts being served at a church reception. The audience is given no clue as to what he is objecting to (where in the bible are doughnuts and social activites among church members forbidden?). When confronted on this, he hides behind his "God has given me a special purpose" speech. If done well, this element could have been very inspiring. As used it the film, it makes him seem like a narcissist. Overall, a poor and forgettable film
  
  
• best story of freindship ever.
  By A3VI5KB0S88U32 on 2003-03-20
  i have watched this movie many times and it never gets old to me.i just love the way it grab's you by the heart and won't let go. it just makes you think and most of all it makes you feel the love that simon and joe had for each other. the first time my wife and i saw this was in a small theater and there was only one other lady in there but it turn out that was good because the three of us flooded that theater with our tears. i don't mean just tears rolling down cheeks i mean very loud sobbing coming from all three of us. i admit i am a guy that loves to to cry over movies but never before had i been this moved. and it this way no matter how many times i watch this. it makes me think of my best freind and what he mines to me i always end up calling him after i watched to tell what he mines to me.this movie is one that just breaks our heart as you see that strong freindship between simon an joe and what happen in the end. to me this is just on of the best movies ever made. see it.
  
  
• A fantastic novel...a so-so movie
  By A3NLGR5MM3TGW2 on 2005-03-27
  My review is not so much about the movie and whether it's good or bad (it's nothing special), but a response to the person who said that the book that it's (sort of) based on, "A Prayer For Owen Meany" by John Irving, isnt that great a book. On the contrary, "Meany" is one of the best novels by one of the greatest authors of the last 50 years.
  
  
• SIMON BIRCH
  By A3CAVKW2U9ASLT on 2005-09-12
  WHAT CAN BE SAID ABOUT "SIMON BIRCH". IT MAKES YOU REALIZE THAT EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT PERFECT IN LOOKS ALL YOU NEED IS TO KNOW THAT GOD DID PUT US ALL HERE FOR A REASON.......WE COULD ALL LEARN FROM "SIMON BIRCH"!
  
  
• Charming...
  By A2N4GCRJWM9CBP on 2005-10-21
  If i need to describe this movie in one word, i guess it would be charming.
  Being a big fan of a "Prayer for Owen Meany" (John Irving's novel the film was suggested by)
  there were bound to be some things i didn't quite picture exactly like the director
  but i must say that i am thankful for the director's choice of keeping the storyline
  "simple", that is chucking the whole american history part of the novel and the children's
  growing up. Johnson concentrated on the most charming part of the novel, keeping in all the
  quirky and often hillarious lines. The cast is tremendous, starting with Ashley Judd,
  who is perfect for the part, Joseph Mazzello, the ever serious young actor who as always lives up to the audiance's expectation
  (and i must say that is a very hard task since his performances through the years have become nothing less than
  brilliant), and there is also the young Ian Michael Smith, who i have to say at certain points of the film even matches Mazzello's talent
  (reffering to the scene on the dock where he's shouting "Sorry!", which is heartbreaking).
  Oliver Platt doesn't have that much to do, but what he's given he uses professionally,
  and Dana Ivey, as always, sparkles in a female supporting role. Very rarely do you find the music that
  breathes life in to a certain story and whoever chose it, did a fantastic job.
  Also kudos to the director of photography, who helped, in association with the director, to make
  every shot breathtaking and stunning. I almost forgot to mention what a pleasure it was to see Jane Hooks in the part of Miss Leavy
  (i loved her in the "3rd rock from the sun"). The only things i hold against this movie is the choice of Jim Carrey as a narrator.
  There's just not enough spirit in his narration, not enough warmth to the whole story and the exquisite character that is Simon Birch.
  This film is not just a must see, it forces to you to replay it over and over again
  breathing in the sweet aroma of the 60s America and the great tale of extraordinary friendship and,
  ultimately, love.
  
  
  
• Great Movie!
  By A2GVI9VCDL3QU1 on 2005-12-26
  Simon Birch is a wonderful movie that will make you giggle in delight and cry. Overall, it's a wonderful movie and highly recommended.
  
  
• VERY SWEET AND MOVING MOTION PICTURE!!
  By A24H4MQR1BU7CT on 2006-07-18
  IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN SIMON BIRCH, PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND SEE IT. THIS MOVIE IS QUITE HARD TO DISLIKE. IT IS ALSO QUITE HARD TO FORGET. IF YOU ENJOY GOOD DRAMAS WITH A LITTLE HUMOR MIXED IN, THEN THIS IS THE MOVIE FOR YOU!
  THE TWO LEAD ACTORS GIVE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES!
  
  
• inspiring movie
  By A2XDXKO6D7H60Q on 2007-01-17
  My 11 year old saw this movie at school and wouldn't stop talking about it or asking for it. Since we couldn't find it at any store we amazoned it and there it was!!. Part of his Christmas present, he loves it. This movie is very inspiring and from what he says it makes him have hope in other people and what we can do to help others.
  
  
• Spectacular movie
  By A3TF47F3KLTUVF on 2000-03-26
  This movie moved me. It has not only drama but makes you feel good about human kind in the end. This movie teaches a lot of lessons not only to children but to adults. Everybody should watch this movie, learn from it & practice what ya learned in real life. You will love this movie.
  
  
• An incredible movie
  By A2ZED83L8TLDE5 on 2000-03-03
  "Simon Birch"has it all:a fabulous cast,excellent plot,and wonderful charisma.It is both funny and touching,while delivering an important message about friendship.Joseph Mazello and Ian Michael Smith did a superb job of working together to convey this message.This movie is perfect to watch with anyone,so watch it with a friend your kids,whoever!
  
  
• Sapping and predictable at it's very finest!!!
  By on 1999-06-14
  Definitely forget what the critics say about this movie and see it for yourself! This is a terrific movie that is beautifully filmed and is full of wonderful characters. Simon Birch's facial expressions alone make this film worth seeing. This is a movie that will have you laughing hysterically one minute and reaching for the box of Kleenex the next. I have seen this movie at least a dozen times and still, when I walk by the TV, and my kids are watching it again for the 20th time, I find myself sitting down to watch just a few minutes of it only to find that I cannot pull myself away. This movie still touches me as much now as the first time I saw it. Besides the incredible main character, Simon, this film is blessed with wonderful performances from Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, Joseph Mozzelo and Jan Hooks, to name just a few. Jim Carrey as the narrator is also a nice surprise. This movie will leave you with a warm feeling that very few can. Definitely sappy and predictable at it's finest.
  
  
• Simon!
  By A18BD98SU49UB7 on 2001-04-20
  Simon Birch. Just after seeing this movie, the name alone will make you think that you are on a mission. Simon is small, but his heart remains massive. The film starts with the hidden star (don't wanna spoil it) narrating why Simon was crowd surfing in his sunday school room. I tell you this movie is hilarious. There is a scene that is so funny that I thought I was gonna explode! Let me just say, justice is done. Simon has a best friend (Joseph Mazello-Tim, from Jurassic ) who remains with him through thick and thin. Why should you get it?? Simple. Right when you think you get the mystery of Simons friend, a curve is thrown (no pun intended). And on top of this Simon is on an all out retro-mecha mission for God. He doesn't know what it is, but it's there just the same. When everything unfoolds, and when the tears are shed (mostly from laughing), you are gonna love this kid. Ashley Judd is a beauty. And Oliver platt is himself and great. In all of this hides the mystery, the forgiveness, and the heart...of Simon.
  
  

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