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Simon Birch
 
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Simon Birch (1998)

Starring: Ian Michael Smith, Joseph Mazzello Director: Mark Steven Johnson Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Format: DVD
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (306 customer reviews)

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Simon Birch 4.4 out of 5 stars (306)
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Editorial Reviews

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This screen adaptation of John Irving's novel A Prayer for Owen Meany was appreciated much more by audiences than by the majority of disapproving critics. Irving's books have fared only moderately well on film, and while The World According to Garp garnered critical praise, The Hotel New Hampshire was waiting in the wings to counteract the fanfare. Simon Birch is one of those nostalgic movies--determined to view the past in rose-colored hues--despite the fact that its protagonist, a dwarf named Simon Birch, is wholeheartedly unsympathetic. The film opens weepily, with Jim Carrey as the adult version of the film's main character and narrator, Joe Wenteworth (played as a youth by the serious young actor Joseph Mazzello). He's mourning at the grave of his best childhood friend, Simon Birch, with whom he had bonded instantly because both were misfits--one a dwarf, the other illegitimate. The deck is stacked from the beginning, especially when the camera dwells on Joe's luscious mom, Rebecca (Ashley Judd), who refuses to reveal the identity of Joe's father, which in turn urges Simon and Joe to embark on a quest to discover Joe's paternity. In a plot point that resembles The Scarlet Letter, the tide of fate turns on the "immoral" mom just as she's on the verge of finding true love with a decent fellow (played by Oliver Platt). Simon Birch ultimately descends into crudeness, though it asks the audience to continue to engage with its crass lead character. By the end, the film is reduced to drivel, cliché, and melodrama to tug our heartstrings into submission. All the things that should have been the film's focus--guilt, self-loathing, and redemption--remain elusive. --Paula Nechak


Product Description

A heartwarming and funny hit that's earned overwhelming critical acclaim, SIMON BIRCH features great performances from stars Ashley Judd (DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD, HIGH CRIMES, KISS THE GIRLS) and Oliver Platt (BICENTENNIAL MAN, DON'T SAY A WORD) in an outstanding cast! Even though Simon Birch is the smallest kid in town, deep down he knows that he was born to do something big! He's on a constant search to discover his destiny, but somehow manages to find nothing but trouble! Meanwhile, Simon's loyal best friend, Joe (Joseph Mazzello -- JURASSIC PARK, RADIO FLYER), is searching for the identity of his father, a secret his beautiful mother (Judd) has guarded Joe's entire life. Discover for yourself the undeniable charms of this uplifting and inspirational motion picture as these two share the hilarious, and sometimes tragic, ups and downs that will forever bind them together!

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306 Reviews
5 star:
 (230)
4 star:
 (31)
3 star:
 (11)
2 star:
 (11)
1 star:
 (23)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.4 out of 5 stars (306 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Watch the film. Read the book!, January 23, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Simon Birch [VHS] (VHS Tape)
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.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Touching and heartwarming!, September 9, 2001
By Rebecca (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews
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.

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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars inspiring movie, January 16, 2007
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story for teens and even preteens
This is a great story of faith and two boys about 12 years old. Parents should preview before showing to preteens to see if their children can handle some very serious parts of... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Gen H. Hoffmann

1.0 out of 5 stars SIMON BIRCH
THE FIRST ONE WE RECEIVED IN A SHORT TIME BUT THE SOUND WAS NOT GOOD SO I NOT
IFIED AMAZON AND THEY TOOK CARE OF THE MATTER PROMPTLY AND WE HAD A NEW ONE IN 2 DAYS WHICH WAS... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Sandra Chute

1.0 out of 5 stars Warning, should be PG-13 rating
I heard so many rave reviews that I rented this movie to watch with my family. After watching about 10 minutes we had to turn it off and wait for a time when my 4 and 6 yo were... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mom of 4

5.0 out of 5 stars high quality
i love this film, i was looking for it in blockbuster but they dont have it so i decided to buy it and luckily i found it. Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. Ramirez

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended Film
Very rarely do I award a movie five stars. However, I will make an exception with "Simon Brich." I first saw the film about five years ago, and have loved it ever since. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Brach Jennings

5.0 out of 5 stars Simon Birch
We had a DVD of Simon Birch, but it was lost in a flood. This is one of my wife's favorites as we have a special child. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Robert E. Ackerman

5.0 out of 5 stars Simon Birch is wonderful!
Simon Birch I stumbled on the movie "Simon Birch" at my local library. What a treasure! The story is moving, the acting is excellent, and the humor will bring a smile to adults... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Vonnie Winslow Crist

5.0 out of 5 stars It's not "Owen Meany," people!
This is a brilliant movie with great casting and a wonderful plot. Ian Michael Smith, who plays Simon Birch, is both hilarious and sympathetic at the same time. Read more
Published 6 months ago by The Phantom

5.0 out of 5 stars best movie I have ever seen...
I have seen this movie no less than 20 times, and enjoy it every time. It unfolds like a good book, a page at a time. Read more
Published 8 months ago by P. Hughes

5.0 out of 5 stars Great teaching movie-teaches tolerance.
Wonderful movie about people and their ignorances of other peoples situations. This is a great example to teach kids about the very real prossability of meeting different... Read more
Published 9 months ago by S. Astier

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