Simon Birch

Rating:
Summary: Laugh while you cry!
Review: I thought Simon Birch was one of the most touching films I've seen in a while, it's humor and view of small town life was really amusing. I still cry at certain parts of the movie and I've seen it dozens of times working in a video store on weekends. It's the first movie I recommend to people. Anyone would enjoy this film - children and adults alike. It's a great family film teaching you that everyone brings something special to this world.

Rating:
Summary: Simon Birch was a great movie.
Review: Joseph Mazzello and Ian Michael Smith totally stunned me.I had seen Joseph Mazzello in Jurassic Park,but my god,I have never in my life,seen anyone show such emotion.Joseph Mazzello and Ian Michael Smith did a better job in Simon Birch than Leonardo Di Caprio did in Titanic.Simon Birch was a better movie too.I would buy it from you right now,but I don't have a credit card.It's too bad that there are not more actors out there like Joseph Mazzello,but I bet you hear that alot.That's because it's true.Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion.By the way,when it comes to acting,if you spell dog backwards,you've had my exact opinion of Joseph Mazzello.

Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I am a very emotional person. I was very moved by this movie as a whole, but I was very impressed by Mazzello's performence. Anyone can find least something good about this movie. I loved it all. Ialso enjoyed the sub-plot of Joe's search for his father. This movie shows the joys and sadnesses of friendship.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful movie for all ages
Review: The movie goes on to become quite different from the book it's "suggested" from. It's a heartwarming, charming and honest approach to the little idiosyncracies of life.

Rating:
Summary: Hollywood Button Pushin'
Review: Gee, I tried really hard to like this little film. It seems to have been well-casted, from Mazzelo to Judd, but I honestly think it was just another mediocre attempt by Hollywood to construct a quickie "fable" centered around a pitiful outcast, or outcasts, in this case. The performances are all quite competent, but the script jerks about from one maudlin episode to another without a hint of restraint. I don't feel we ever really get to know Simon's deep, wonderful thoughts, other than the "I'm part of God's plan" refrain. The characters are not nearly as well-crafted as they need to be for a movie that purports to pack this much emotion. Irving's "A Prayer for Owen Meany" would be better suited to a mini-series format--maybe then we could really get to know Simon Birch instead of just feeling sorry for his string of misfortunes. Hollywood loves to milk emotions without having to work for them these days, and I feel that's a disservice to the intelligence and patience of filmgoers. The ending of "Simon Birch" was about as deliberately, over-the-top sappy as every frame of the unwatchable "Evening Star" of 1996. Don't get me wrong: I like films that make me cry, but I like them to give me intelligent, thoughtfully-crafted reasons to do so. Two stars only.

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Summary: Sweet, funny, and sad
Review: I watched this after I read A Prayer For Owen Meany, and though it wasn't as good as the book, it did do the book as much justice as could be expected in this day and age. I couldn't imagine Owen's voice while reading the novel but the movie helped me with that. The pageant and armadillo scenes were priceless. I wish they'd somehow found a way to put the original ending in, instead of that somewhat contrived bit, but I guess it was the best they could do. I still think the novel's adult John Wheelwright was more charming than the cheesy adult Joe Wenteworth; how Jim Carrey did that without puking is beyond me! But Simon Birch's strong points outweighed where it was weak, and it is a great movie to rent or buy. By the way, is it just me, or was the fog on Simon's hospital room window shaped a little like an armadillo?

Rating:
Summary: A Movie Sent by God to Tell of His Love.
Review: I first saw Simon Birch at the movie theaters, and I liked it. Simon Birch discusses some hard questions such as "What does God have in plan for me?" This movie is the best I have seen next to the Mission and the Greatest Story Ever Told (which is about our Savior, Jesus Christ). This movie made me understand God as much as the Bible. This movie is a soul-winner and a philosophy in one. Simon Birch has more faith than even the preacher! Truley God must have wanted this film to be made.

Rating:
Summary: A Must See Movie
Review: I have found one of my favorite movies of all time: Simon Birch. I have never been so touched and moved by a movie. Stand-out performances, especially by Joseph Mazzello (his best work yet) and the thoughtfully written script brought me into the two boys lives and kept me interested for two hours. I have rarely felt such compassion for a character (Joe). Simon Birch made me cry and laugh. I won't give the end away, but Simon is a hero. Congratulations to first-time director Mark Johnson. Your movie is a triumph.

Rating:
Summary: Extremely well done; see it more than once!
Review: Everyone seems to get a slightly different take on this movie. The unifying factor is that most folks are quite moved by it. Once the price drops out of the stratosphere, it would definitely be worth owning. Due to circumstance, I was able to watch this one twice; I got more out of it the second time around. I plan on renting it when i get home, to watch with my family. (Unless the price drops by the time I get back!)

Rating:
Summary: In my opinion, the best film of 1998!
Review: Simon Birch is a wonderful film, full of all things emotional. I was reminded of what it is like to be a child, full of innocence and playfulness. My girlfriend and I came out of the theater full of joy and sorrow. Highly recommended!!