Rating: Summary: A hidden treasure Review: Its rare for me to find a film in the video store which is a real discovery. I catch a lot of films in first run but this one went under my radar. I had scarcely heard of it but picked it up on a lark, perhaps because it had a Siskel/ Ebert 2 thumbs up recommend on the cover. Having watched it I came in to read how others reacted to it and I am happy to see so many people have also fallen in love with the film. Perhaps understandably, though I can't relate, the few people that seem to dislike the film are people who have read the book and some professional critics. I can't add much that hasn't already been said but I found the film totally charming. The music score is lush and perfectly enhances the mood and tone of the film. Ashley Judd is at her very best looking gorgeous and so sweet and kind you can completely understand how Simon could have a crush on her. Oliver Platt turns in a winning performance as the kid-smart boyfriend. While Simon is given title billing the film is really about two friends whose stories are given equal weight. Simon Birches death is an important part of the film but isn't the core. There are emotional moments of all sorts throughout the film. So while the ending was emotional, it wasn't an unnecessary tag on death like the one in Pay if Forward. We know Simon is going to die as the story starts out in a cemetary. How that comes about kept me curious. Anyway it was a great experience to pick up a film you don't expect to be so good. I am glad I caught it. I thought it was kind of neat to discover Jim Carrey requested that his name be removed from the film because he was concerned people would get the wrong idea about the kind of film it was if his name was associated with it. He plays an characteristically tender small role as the "Wonder Years" style narrator who bookends opening and closing of the film and does such a nice job it is almost impossible to imagine him as the same guy who played Ace Ventura.
Rating: Summary: The best have faith movie no matter what the circumstances. Review: If you've read the book Freak the mighty you will love this movie. It helps us all to remember that no matter what life deals us that faith will help us cope and go on.No matter where that takes us.
Rating: Summary: This movie made me want to cry and not because it's sad. Review: Travesty. C'mon, the book was magical. The movie was another in the already full line of cinema exploitation. It's not the medium. Cinema can be used to create beautiful art. The book was beautiful art. The movie was a sneer. Do yourself a favor. Take the time to read the book. I can't stress how good it is. Also, if you own this movie, then throw out your car window on the way to work. Make a statement. Stand up for what is good and right in the universe.
Rating: Summary: Simon! Review: 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.
Rating: Summary: simon birch Review: I thought Ben Hur was my all time best movie.Then Simon Birch came along and took my breath away.So much meaning in this movie, you realise the importance of our precious time on this earth. And the special place real friends carve in our hearts. Brilliant acting by all the main cast.Why this movie did not win a acadamy award still puzzels me.If I was the nominator I would have given 12 awards surpassing BEN HUR.I've watched this movie a couple of times already and my daughter who is only 7 years old teases me each and every chance she gets the chance by repeating "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" Because she knows that this portion of the movie really moves me.
Rating: Summary: Excellent! Review: SIMON BIRCH Joseph Mazzello, Oliver Platt, Ashley Judd, Ian Michael Smith, Jim Carrey, 1998 Synopsis Simon Birch a 12 year old boy who is born a dwarf, struggles to find the meaning of why he is the way he is. Along with his best friend Joe (Mazello), the two search for the answers of life and in particular the identity of Joe's father. My Review Jim Carrey, who plays the adult Joe, narrates the film. The movie is a nice sentiment, and you will be touched by it even if you don't want to be.
Rating: Summary: Very Disappointed Review: This movie is such a disappointment compared to the book A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving. True some parts would be difficult to portray on the screen, but a better job could have been done to bring this novel to life. Read the book and don't bother with the movie. The book is amazing from the first page to the last. Already seen the movie? Read the book! you will enjoy it so much more. This is truly the best book I've ever read and I encourage everyone to read it. It is defintely a classic.
Rating: Summary: Heartwarming Review: Reba and I loved this movie. Although we are miles away from each other, the tenderness and heart-felt sympathies of this film unites us ever closer....Someday I hope we may be able to watch it together...I have faith, too, Simon!!
Rating: Summary: A Definite Must-See! Review: This movie has already touched the hearts of millions and it will definitely do the same to you. Simon Birch is one of the greatest films ever created for its quality content and comic relief.
This movie hooks you in and seems like it forced me to watch the rest. I can't explain what this movie means to me and to other's around me. In the movie, Simon Birch is a little small for his age and gets picked on constantly for it. All he wants people to know is that he is the same as everyone else and should be treated the same way as other people. "Simon Birch" has great humor involved in the storylines that got me laughing constantly. On the other hand, there are VERY emotional parts to this film and every made me shed a few tears. This movie should be in everyone's top 10 list. I found no faults in the film and thought everyone scene shown was a valid lesson to teenagers. What I liked about this movie was the relationship between the two friends and even through their differences, they are still seen as two human beings. The parents of the friends of Simon Birch's doesn't approve of Simon and doesn't like him for what he looks like. His friend tries not to care what they think as he keeps their friendship strong. A perfect example of how a real friendship should be. As I have clued to all the readers of this review, this is a definite must-see no matter what age you are. This movie has parts of all kinds and keeps any kind of person tuned in to see what happens between the two friends. Thanks for reading my review!
Rating: Summary: A Great Warmhearted Movie Review: Being a dedicated action film fan, I usually don't even think about seeing these kinds of movies. However, Simon Birch is a movie that I enjoyed all the way through and I sometimes find myself wanting to watch it immediately after I finish watching it. The story is so creative because you have little idea about the actual plot until the very end. The writing is phenomenal. Jim Carrey's voice over adds to both the mystery and enlightenment to the plot. When I watched this movie for the first time, I had no idea that Jim Carrey was in it. Now, I can not think of anyone who would play his part better. The story is of the friendship of Joe Wentworth (Joseph Mazzello) and Simon Birch (Ian Micheal Smith). Joe is your typical boy, but the one thing he is missing in his life is a father, who remains a mystery to everyone accept his mother, who refuses to enlighten Joe as to the indentity of his father. Simon Birch is the smallest kid in the neighborhood, no more than four feet tall. Simon's incredable faith convinces him that he is destined for heroship. Joe and Simon both know what it is like to be different, and find comfort in the knowledge that each knows what the other feels. This movie is funny, emotional, and enlightening. However, this is a movie that you really have to pay attention to. Because everything that happens in this movie is important to the story, which remains masked until the dramatic ending that I feel is one of the best pieces of writings.
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