Rating: 
Summary: Sapping and predictable at it's very finest!!!
Review: Definitely forget what the critics say about this movie and see it for yourself! This is a terrific movie that is beautifully filmed and is full of wonderful characters. Simon Birch's facial expressions alone make this film worth seeing. This is a movie that will have you laughing hysterically one minute and reaching for the box of Kleenex the next. I have seen this movie at least a dozen times and still, when I walk by the TV, and my kids are watching it again for the 20th time, I find myself sitting down to watch just a few minutes of it only to find that I cannot pull myself away. This movie still touches me as much now as the first time I saw it. Besides the incredible main character, Simon, this film is blessed with wonderful performances from Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, Joseph Mozzelo and Jan Hooks, to name just a few. Jim Carrey as the narrator is also a nice surprise. This movie will leave you with a warm feeling that very few can. Definitely sappy and predictable at it's finest.
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: An insult to a fabulous book
Review: Owen Meany is one of my absolute favorite books. Seeing this movie left me stunned. How could anyone destroy John Irving's wonderful story? Other than a few individual scenes, this movie has none of the spirit, power, or story of the book. Consider that Irving wanted his name completely removed from this project and that should tell you something about the quality of this film.
Rating:
Summary: Jules review of a lifechanging movie
Review: I went to see Simon Birch with my best girlfriend
I have a disability in which I am only 3 ft tall
I could totally relate to Simon Birch and everything he felt
It was a life changing movie for me and touched my very soul
The only thing with my life is that I came from a loving family and Simon did not but the relationship that I had with his best friend was similar to the one simon had with his best friend.
Please do yourself a favour and see this movie
Simon Birch lives on in my heart forever
Rating:
Summary: Uplifting, Challanging Film - made me laugh, made me cry
Review: "Simon Birch" is an outstanding story of 2 young boys growing up under difficult circumstances which have them labeled as outsiders. Simon, a dwarf whose parents wouldn't seem to mind if he simply disappeared, holds onto his belief that God has a special purpose in store for him (to be a hero)and unashamedly lets everyone know about it. Joe, his best friend, wants only to find his real father, whose identity his mother refuses to reveal.Apparently, this is not a faithful adaption to the book, but I found it to be very enjoyable. There are many laugh out loud moments (Simon in church; the Christmas play) and some real tear-jerkers (Simon on the bridge screaming "I'm sorry" in his shrill little voice). The movie is well cast with both young actors doing a terrific job, as does Oliver Platt as the admirable father figure to the boys. Ashley Judd is simply stunning as the strong, independent single-mom with a heart of gold. The movie says some interesting things about faith, belief and serendipity, but its not likely to convince you if such things do not interest you in the first place. For example, Simon is shown as having more faith than even the local minister, yet he frequently curses and is quite enamored of a young classmates's breasts. I imagine this could come across as either true to life (we can have the faith of a child but still be imperfect) or very off-putting and hypocritical. I thought the film examined some interesting points about God and belief while being very entertaining and uplifting. Highly recommended! Also check out "My Dog Skip" for another nostalgic look at childhood and "The Jerk" for another take on having a "special purpose".
Rating: 
Summary: "It's funny 'cause he's so short!"
Review: Simon Birch tries to be a heartwarming drama, and in some small ways suceeds. The two main characters are Simon (a boy with congenital dwarfism) and his best friend. A various points in the movie they have deep conversations, which are touching and thought provoking, without the excessive sentiment and emotionality that tends to characterize (and ruin) most modern dramas. Unfortunately, there is little else in the movie to recommend it. For one thing, Simon is difficult to like. Half of the movie he complains about how no one takes him seriously because of his small stature. For the other half he is acting like a jerk, swearing at people, goosing girls, flipping people off, and all the time you can practically hear the director off screen saying "No, it's not rude, its funny because he's so short." Sorry, but a jerk is a jerk, no matter how tall he is. Also, the film's "dramatic highlights" are so unrealistic and off-the-wall they seem absurd compared to the overall serious tone of the movie, like comic relief you're not supposed to laugh at. A prime example is Simon's objection to doughnuts being served at a church reception. The audience is given no clue as to what he is objecting to (where in the bible are doughnuts and social activites among church members forbidden?). When confronted on this, he hides behind his "God has given me a special purpose" speech. If done well, this element could have been very inspiring. As used it the film, it makes him seem like a narcissist. Overall, a poor and forgettable film
Rating:
Summary: Great tale
Review: The movie opens with Jim Carrey at the grave of his old friend Simon Birch. I was a bit suprised to see Carrey in here, because I hate him. But in this film he did a great job narrating, he gave a great feel to the movie. You usually don't get to the point of a movie till the end, but Carrey just comes right out and tells us all what he found in Mr. Birch. He found faith, he found God. Carrey tells us the story of his childhood and his dwarf friend Simon Birch, played wonderfully by whoever played him. They are typical twelve year olds, just beginning to appreciate women. I can't really tell you much about this movie except if you liked movies like "The Christmas Story" and "Stand By Me" you'll love this one. It has that nostolgic feel to it. It also is very funny and very sad. Also stars Ashley Judd (who shines), Oliver Platt (who for once gets to play a real good guy), David Straitharn, and Jan Hooks (she should do more movies). All in all, it's a great movie that keeps you watching. See it.
Rating: 
Summary: overly melodramatic, but...
Review: Since I just finished the novel "A Prayer for Owen Meany" only yesterday, I thought I'd write a review for the movie, which I saw several years ago. While it's true that the plot of Irving's novel is oversimplified, one has to remember that a PG rating wouldn't be appropriate for a more faithful adaptation of it. I hated the character of Simon Birch from the beginning; as one other reviewer noted, he's an all-around jerk, rude, foul-mouthed, and unsympathetic to the max. However, let's not forget that the screenwriters changed the characters' names for a reason, namely, this film has to be judged separately from it's inspiration. The movie itself is not as cloying as one might expect, given the main character (Sinon's) crassness, and ultra-cynical perspective on life. In fact, he is less of a Christ-figure than his novel counterpart, less believable in the role. They didn't even make an effort to duplicate Owen's voice. But besides all these complaints, the dnding is a somewhat more realistic than that of the novel, although less powerful. It's still touching. But to all those reviewers who took issue with this movie simply because it departed so sharply and in so many places from the book, I say, "Judge this with a different scale." It's been altered for a reason.
Rating:
Summary: A Prayer For Owen Meany vs. Simon Birch
Review: I don't even know where to being. Upon completion of the book A Prayer For Owen Meany, I found my previous adoration for the film slowely spiraling downward. I actually believe this film is a slap in the face to Irving's story. Ian Michael Smith has taken an amazing tale of heroism, faith, and humantiy and dumbed it down into a syrupy sweet family sob story. Don't see the movie. Instead, take in the story with Irving's amazing words.
Rating:
Summary: best story of freindship ever.
Review: i have watched this movie many times and it never gets old to me.i just love the way it grab's you by the heart and won't let go. it just makes you think and most of all it makes you feel the love that simon and joe had for each other. the first time my wife and i saw this was in a small theater and there was only one other lady in there but it turn out that was good because the three of us flooded that theater with our tears. i don't mean just tears rolling down cheeks i mean very loud sobbing coming from all three of us. i admit i am a guy that loves to to cry over movies but never before had i been this moved. and it this way no matter how many times i watch this. it makes me think of my best freind and what he mines to me i always end up calling him after i watched to tell what he mines to me.this movie is one that just breaks our heart as you see that strong freindship between simon an joe and what happen in the end. to me this is just on of the best movies ever made. see it.
|
