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This screen adaptation of John Irving's novel A Prayer for Owen Meany was appreciated much more by audiences than by the majority of disapproving critics. Irving's books have fared only moderately well on film, and while The World According to Garp garnered critical praise, The Hotel New Hampshire was waiting in the wings to counteract the fanfare. Simon Birch is one of those nostalgic movies--determined to view the past in rose-colored hues--despite the fact that its protagonist, a dwarf named Simon Birch, is wholeheartedly unsympathetic. The film opens weepily, with Jim Carrey as the adult version of the film's main character and narrator, Joe Wenteworth (played as a youth by the serious young actor Joseph Mazzello). He's mourning at the grave of his best childhood friend, Simon Birch, with whom he had bonded instantly because both were misfits--one a dwarf, the other illegitimate. The deck is stacked from the beginning, especially when the camera dwells on Joe's luscious mom, Rebecca (Ashley Judd), who refuses to reveal the identity of Joe's father, which in turn urges Simon and Joe to embark on a quest to discover Joe's paternity. In a plot point that resembles The Scarlet Letter, the tide of fate turns on the "immoral" mom just as she's on the verge of finding true love with a decent fellow (played by Oliver Platt). Simon Birch ultimately descends into crudeness, though it asks the audience to continue to engage with its crass lead character. By the end, the film is reduced to drivel, cliché, and melodrama to tug our heartstrings into submission. All the things that should have been the film's focus--guilt, self-loathing, and redemption--remain elusive. --Paula Nechak
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good buddy movie,
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This review is from: Simon Birch (DVD)
Joe and Simon (Joseph Mazzello, Ian Michael Smith) have always been best pals, maybe because they both felt like outsiders; Joe is illegitimate and Simon is a dwarf. Now, at age twelve, Joe sets out to find his real father and Simon wonders what special plan God has for his life.This touching story of kids growing up in a small town has the same nostalgic feel of movies like "Stand By Me," painting an idyllic picture of youthful hijinks, loyalty, and courage. Ian Michael Smith, in his only movie role, is excellent as the spunky, brave Simon. Joseph Mazzello, so memorable in "Jurassic Park" and "Shadowlands," is good but has outgrown the adorable little-boy stage and appears stiff at times. The boys are ably assisted by Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, and David Straithairn and Jim Carrey has a brief cameo as the adult Joe. The movie is an affectionate homage to childhood innocence and is recommended although some dialogue may not be suitable for young children.
5.0 out of 5 stars
so good,
This review is from: Simon Birch (DVD)
One of my favorite movies,add to my collectionSimon birch is a real hero, helping the children from the bus when it went into the water. An all round good picture
4.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring,
By
This review is from: Simon Birch (DVD)
This is one of those movies that makes you think about our lives and the things we value. It is truly inspiring how the two boys bond in a friendship, that at first was forced upon the one boy but as he grew he realized what life lessons Simon Birch actually taught him !! My daughter who is a teacher, is going to show it to her class to teach them some important life values.
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