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List Price: $9.99 | | Label: Walt Disney Video
Salesrank: 3067
Released: May 18, 1999 |
| Our Price: $4.64 |
| Used Price: $3.32 |
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MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
A heartwarming and funny hit that's earned overwhelming critical acclaim, SIMON BIRCH features great performances from stars Ashley Judd (DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD, HIGH CRIMES, KISS THE GIRLS) and Oliver Platt (BICENTENNIAL MAN, DON'T SAY A WORD) in an outstanding cast! Even though Simon Birch is the smallest kid in town, deep down he knows that he was born to do something big! He's on a constant search to discover his destiny, but somehow manages to find nothing but trouble! Meanwhile, Simon's loyal best friend, Joe (Joseph Mazzello -- JURASSIC PARK, RADIO FLYER), is searching for the identity of his father, a secret his beautiful mother (Judd) has guarded Joe's entire life. Discover for yourself the undeniable charms of this uplifting and inspirational motion picture as these two share the hilarious, and sometimes tragic, ups and downs that will forever bind them together!
Description of Simon Birch:
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
Simon Birch Reviews:
Simon Birch 
2009-11-19 - A great film for young people. It demonstrates how people who are different can make a difference.
Great story for teens and even preteens
2009-09-14 - This is a great story of faith and two boys about 12 years old. Parents should preview before showing to preteens to see if their children can handle some very serious parts of the movie.
SIMON BIRCH 
2009-06-25 - THE FIRST ONE WE RECEIVED IN A SHORT TIME BUT THE SOUND WAS NOT GOOD SO I NOT
IFIED AMAZON AND THEY TOOK CARE OF THE MATTER PROMPTLY AND WE HAD A NEW ONE IN 2 DAYS WHICH WAS PERFECT. MY HUSBAND WAS VERY HAPPY.
Warning, should be PG-13 rating
2009-06-20 - I heard so many rave reviews that I rented this movie to watch with my family. After watching about 10 minutes we had to turn it off and wait for a time when my 4 and 6 yo were sleeping. This movie has a lot of language and sexual innuendo. So buyers beware.
high quality
2009-06-19 - i love this film, i was looking for it in blockbuster but they dont have it so i decided to buy it and luckily i found it. it's a good movie and you can see it with the family and kids :)
