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List Price: $9.99 | | Label: Walt Disney Video
Salesrank: 4113
Released: May 18, 1999 |
| Our Price: $5.37 |
| Used Price: $3.02 |
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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:
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 :)
Highly Recommended Film
2009-05-29 - Very rarely do I award a movie five stars. However, I will make an exception with "Simon Brich." I first saw the film about five years ago, and have loved it ever since. Top of the bill young actor Joseph Mazzello delivers another superb performance as Joe Wentworth, an outcast 12 year old who is seeking a father figure. Newcomer Ian Michael Smith is also winning as Simon Birch, outcast of Gravestown, Maine, and best friend to Joe. The chemistry between Mazzello and Michael Smith is evident from the beginning of the film. Adding to the cast of the two excellent kids are the inimitable Ashely Judd, David Srathairn, and Oliver Platt.
The film follows the poignant and often hilarious adventures of Joe and Simon as they go through life together, the former attempting to discover who his true father is. I found myself relating to Joe throughout the movie and thinking of my own experiences with best friends over the years. Perhaps that is the point of a film like "Simon Birch" - to remind us how enjoyable life can be in good company. The final scene between Joe and Simon is the highlight of the movie for me. It rips the viewer in two and steps on him a few times, but shows off the talent of Mazzello and Michael Smith. (Joe Mazzello said several more "gut wrenching" scenes were originally scripted, but they were cut because he didn't want viewers to not see the movie again due to extreme sadness). Maybe I'm grateful for the cuts, but it would have been interesting to see the full emotional range the two actors have.
I enthusiastically recommend "Simon Birch" for both contemplation and fun.
