| Simon Birch | 
| Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Actors: Ian Michael Smith, Joseph Mazzello, Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, David Strathairn
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $9.99
Buy New: $4.35
You Save: $5.64 (56%)
Buy New/Used/Collectible from $3.79
Avg. Customer Rating:   (293 reviews)
Sales Rank: 2665
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Letterboxed, Widescreen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD
Running Time: 114 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Picture Format: Letterbox
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 4.7 x 0.6
MPN: DISD17241D
ISBN: 0788815466
UPC: 717951002358
EAN: 9780788815461
ASIN: 0788815466
Release Date: May 18, 1999
Theatrical Release Date: September 11, 1998
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
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, cliche, 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
Product Description
Little simon birch will capture your heart in this acclaimed inspiring drama about a young boys coming-of-age. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 01/10/2006 Starring: Ashley Judd Oliver Platt Run time: 113 minutes Rating: Pg
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| Customer Reviews: Read 288 more reviews...
 Worst movie ever, can i give one star? October 13, 2008
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 October 1, 2008
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 September 9, 2008
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!! September 1, 2008
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 August 1, 2008
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.
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