Rating: Summary: Touching, Emotional & A Great Movie! Review: I must review this movie again! Ok Ok, I must agree that when I first saw this movie in Religion class, I thought it was kind of confusing, pointless and kind of weird, but after I saw it 2 or 3 more times, I found out that it wasn't such a bad movie! This movie also teaches us a valuble lesson: That we shouldn't just judge someone because of their physical appearance. Sure, Simon may have been a small person, but he still had the ability to do many amazing things. Now, I will talk a bit about the movie! Simon Birch (Ian Michael Smith) was born with a medical condition that made him maybe, 3 feet tall. His parents never cared for him, so he spent most of his time with his best friend, Joe Wenteworth (Joseph Mazzello) and Joe's loving and caring mother Rebecca Wenteworth (Ashley Judd)Joe had no clue who his dad was. His mother never told him either. Simon was like a brother to Joe (Who was also an only child, just like Simon) and they spent all their time with each other. Rebecca was like a mother to Simon, since his parents never cared about him. Life seems to be going great for the 2 boys, untill the mother is accidentally killed in a baseball accident. Since that, Joe has no immediate family, so he and Simon are doing the unthinkable - trying to find out who his real dad is! This quest shows scenes of happiness, sadness, forgivness and lessons to be learned! In conclusion, it was a good film to watch. It was also kind of sad when I saw it the second time. This film is highly recommended! Enjoy! Rated PG for some light language, emotional themes and an accident scene that occurred. Other than that, this movie is great for the whole family!
Rating: Summary: SURPRISINGLY PLEASURABLE Review: Shame this movie wasn't properly marketed, as it's a fun and enjoyable movie which I've enjoyed watching several times. The 12-year-old dwarf, Simon Birch, makes you laugh and feel that frog in your throat. Also, the scenery in this movie is splendid. (Congratulations to whomever was responsible for finding the location for this movie.) I would've given 5 stars, but some profanity and sexual innuendos take away from what should've been a 5-star movie. And it's just like Hollywood to make a movie that would appeal to kids, and taint it. That aside, it isn't often you'll find a movie that'll hit every emotion. Have a box of Kleenex by your side before you hit the play button. This movie is a definite buy.
Rating: Summary: Simon Birch Review: This was a good film---little Simon Birch had a heart of gold. I first noticed Joseph Mazzello in "The Cure"; and he was even better in this movie.
Rating: Summary: Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz- HUH! Is the movie over? Review: This was a bad movie. I HATE TRAGEDIES!!!! AND THIS MOVIE WAS UNFUNNY, TOO!!!
Rating: Summary: Fantastic Movie Review: This isn't really the type of movie I usually go for, but this movie was excellent. I can't recommend it highly enough. Since buying the DVD, it is one of the movies we like to break out when we have company because... a) a lot of people have never even heard of it to say nothing of having seen it. b) everyone that sees it loves it so it is a good movie for a group of people with varied tastes. c) we never get tired of watching it. This really is a very very good movie.
Rating: Summary: The Most Beautiful Films Review: This was quite possibly one of the most beautiful films that I have ever seen! I am a tremendous John Irving fan but that did not prevent me from getting lost in the world of Simon Birch. Mark Steven Johnson has created a story filled with richness, emotion, and beauty--you know, the kind they don't make anymore? My only request would be that the DVD have more additional materials as I would love to know much more about the making of this fine film. Ashely Judd has never been better than she is here. And Oliver Platt has never been as charming. I have seen this movie with my two daughters now three times. And every time they ask again to watch this amazing story.
Rating: Summary: A Great Movie Review: I first saw this movie at camp and loved it. It's touching and helpful to people who are different.It also realates to Jesus's parable the prodical son. It's a really great movie.
Rating: Summary: BOOO....BOOOO....where is my refund? Review: I went to see this atrocity in the theater and I am still waiting for my refund. Mark Steven Johnson vandalized John Irving's classic novel and created a film which plays to cheap emotion and nostalgia. This is just a warning to all film viewers (and, especially, fans of Irving), avoid this movie like the plague!
Rating: Summary: A Modern Fairy Tale for the Pure of Heart... Review: SIMON BIRCH is a funny, sad, unself-consciously emotional movie that aims for the "child" within all but the most jaded. It is true that the film does not approach the depths or sweep of John Irving's beautiful novel, A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY. But, I submit, it never made such a vain attempt. Hence, the title change and the many substantial (but perhaps not ultimate)changes in plot and character. This said, it is necessary to observe that Reviewer Paula Nechek not only did not read the novel, but apparently also saw a different film altogether. Neither the film nor the novel dwell on guilt, self-loathing or even redemption (as in deliverance from damnation). Perhaps the confusion results from the fact that David Strathairn of John Sayles' "LIMBO" plays a key role in both films but while Sayles' film is a powerful existential drama, SIMON BIRCH is a modern fairy tale. Fairy tales are constructed (not deconstructed) to teach children lessons about GOODNESS; right and wrong; and HOPE. Here the focus by Director Mark Johnson is fine. The child and the child-like...a child's DEMAND for TRUTH and faith in its possibility ...are celebrated in a wonderfully entertaining movie (The Christmas Pageant is as hilarious and ironic in the movie as it was in the book)that only requires one to let his guard down...watch and listen. Ian Smith is perfect as Simon. He knows what children want...unconditional love and protection...and ultimately gives both...in word and deed. The novel is, I believe, an epic exploration of the heroically PURE of HEART. The film does capture this spirit. It has grace, energy and the boldness...like a child...to be unabashedly silly in parts. I give the film only a four-star rating because I wish it were longer and was spoiled by the novel. But both are good and both distinct. The novel may be some kind of epic. The movie, SIMON BIRCH, is more ephemeral. It is, I propose again, a modern fairy tale for the Pure of Heart...
Rating: Summary: Simon Birch Review: Simon Birch was beyond all expectations. It is a coming of age movie that should not be missed. My family was all pleased, and that is hard to accomplish. It will leave you wanting more.
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