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 Plat... more »t (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!« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 5/27/2020...
One of those "feel good" kind of movies. Each part is perfectly played and adds value to the story. Made me laugh, made me cry, and made me aware. A great family movie...no vulgar words, no nudity.
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Ranitra C. (Glamourgirl) from LONG BEACH, CA Reviewed on 6/2/2014...
I tend to visist my parents on a unregular basis, but when I do, my mom always has a severe dose of movies that I " must" see.
On one of my last visits, this was one of them.
Innitially, I had heard of this film, but never made the time to see it.
Now, I must say, when I saw the characters, I thought it would be the usual story that these sort of films tend to tell. Special person, or child, in this case, saves the day and is the heroine. This one was much more than that.
It was so beautiful and human. Such a wonderful portrayal of human emotions and how we take things for granted and what the outcome is, when we do. How true love gives and how hearts soften, what the scripture Phil 3:9 really means.
A treasure of a film to sit and watch especially with your children. What a blessing it would be, if we all had an opportunity to know and be-friend a Simon Birch.
5 of 5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Alexandra R. from N LITTLE ROCK, AR Reviewed on 6/2/2014...
Amazingly good movie.
Sweet and funny
You will laugh all the way through.
It will just warm your heart.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Lil S. from DEXTER, ME Reviewed on 1/14/2011...
Wonderful charming movie for the family. I rented this when it was out on VHS and my husband and I both throughly enjoyed it; I had to go out and buy the movie. As I am changing over to DVD's I have now added this to my permanent library collection. It truly is a movie that you will want to watch more then once and will want to loan and recommend to family and friends.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Julie S. from KITTANNING, PA Reviewed on 7/1/2008...
I was blown away by this sad but enlightening story of a young man and his best friend, Simon Birch. So many lessons about love and loss and the power of forgivness--for all the characters. A very hypocritical 1950's Maine town learns the true meaning of love and acceptance through Joe and Simon's antics. A must see for the entire family. You'll laugh and cry the entire way through!
3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Watch the film. Read the book!
01/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Touching and heartwarming!
Rebecca | Massachusetts, USA | 09/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Inspiring movie
G. Regalado | 01/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
'Heartfelt, Funny & Deep as the Ocean'
tomato cow | Surprise, AZ | 11/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this film for many reasons. To me, it has all the elements of a great story: comedy, tragedy, a good dose of authentic 'americana' (set in coastal Maine), interesting and 'real' characters, a timeless message, powerful archetypes, 'real' emotion and a great soundtrack. What more can you ask for?
The film centers around an endearing friendship between two young boys. One, without a father, and the other deformed and virtually disowned by his family, yet born with an uncanny awareness of his destiny and life purpose, which the film eventually plays out. The bond that is developed in this story between the two boys is very affecting. Realistic, without getting at all 'sappy'. All the characters in the film are excellent and fit exceedingly well. The Rev. Russell, Simon, Joe Wentworth, Ben Goodrich and the lovely Ashley Judd as Joe's mother are all superbly portrayed, and each are characters one develops a good deal of empahy for during the course of the film. Even the reverend, a shadow of a man, tormented by the spineless choices of his past is portrayed in his humanity as one deserving of mercy and understanding.
The movie is at times hysterically funny too. I mean, really very, very funny! The Christmas Pagaent scene is one of the funniest things I"ve ever seen... maybe because I grew up in that traditional New England atmosphere and have lived through my own version of it!
Jim Carey, playing a serious role, makes two brief appearances in the film (at the beginning and the end) as the adult Joe Wentworth, and he fits great in that role. The acting of Joseph Mazzello as the young Joe is among the best acting jobs I've seen by a young person. He steps into the character perfectly.
Simon Birch is a wonderful film that acknowledges the spiritual essence of people, divine providence, life purpose, consequence of choices, the connections between souls, the sometimes absurdity of life and the mystery of why life unfolds as it does. Be warned: It easily elicits tears. It is both very heavy and light as a feather. Deep as the ocean and yet it doesn't take itself too seriously. Very well done. If I was forced to choose one movie I would not want to live without, it would be this one. Highly recommended."
An Offbeat, Crude, Warm, Interesting, Satisfying Film!
Charthead | Iowa | 09/17/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
""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."