 | |
List Price: $9.99 | | Label: Walt Disney Video
Salesrank: 1803
Released: May 18, 1999 |
| Our Price: $4.38 |
| Used Price: $3.69 |
|
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
|
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:
Worst movie ever, can i give one star? 
2008-10-13 - This was the unofficial movie of Owen Meany, one of the best books i have ever read. This movie was a severe disappointment. If i had not paid good money to see it in the theater, i would have walked out. Just read the book, cause this movie is not worth the time.
Tugs at your heartstrings and tickles your funnybone 
2008-10-01 - Simon Burch is a delightful film about love, loss, and the power of faith. It's irreverent, funny, touching, and surprising. Well worth including in a film library to be watched again and again.
excellent condition 
2008-09-09 - I bought this for a friend because they have a child with a similar condition as Simon also a dwarf with hearing aids but other problems as well they enjoy watching this film in spite of the tears
Highly Recommended!!
2008-09-01 - Very interesting story. The movie captures ones attention right from the start and doesn't let go until the end. It has the deeper meaning behind it, which allows one to continue to ponder the meaning long after the completion of the movie. Highly recommended!
big courage comes in a small package 
2008-08-01 - Here a first friendship has a real impact on the life of a boy, Joe.
Simon is a boy who is born small and thought not to live long.
The events of this movie are about the "bastard" Joe, his best friend
the freakishly small Simon and finding out who his father is.
Along thew way two very important people in his life die:
one by accident and the other from an courageous act.
Simon raises the problem of "purpose" and God's plan for us all.
For the religious this may be a very inspiring film, but it just might gives some young people the wrong ideas
about how it is all right to act
and question authority. The film is funny and very heart warming,
and overall, well acted.
