Simon Birch

When i watched this movie it was the most moving,movie ever. the ending of the movie was the so sad but happy at the same time. i loved how Simon asked Joe if he could go before passing away, it was so beautiful, to me it showed the loyalty that the boys had for each other. the way that the boys were they for each other no matter what and were best friends forever was really inspiring to me.this really opened my eyes to see people for what they r on the inside not on the outside i love it!! its the best movie ever!! I'm even buying it so i can watch it over and over again!!

When I first went to see this movie, I was a bit reluctant. I thought it would be a copy of another movie coming out at the same time, The Mighty. They were nothing alike! This was a touching story of friendship and discovery, a tear-jerker, but also a roll-in-your-seat comedy. That's what made it a great movie. Again, GREAT casting! I read that Sandra Bullock was almost Ashley Judd's character (Rebecca Wenteworth.) I was glad she wasn't, no offense, but I think that Ashley Judd gave the character a certain old-fashion class that Sandra Bullock couldn't do. Some people complained that it didn't follow the book, I was relieved it didn't! The book is great and enjoyable, but I wouldn't want it to be a movie, it would be too weird as a movie. I recommend this movie to EVERYONE! It is GREAT!

I wouldn't have got to seen this movie if I hadn't run it as a VHS for a literature class and I have to admit it has a wonderful script with both comical, fantasy and dramatic touches. Nathan Lane is a gem as always and Ashley Judd looks great in the period costumes as well as all the boys pine for her. I would want her as a mom. Joseph Mazzello of "Jurassic Park" pulls off a great performance for a young actor and so does Ian Michael Smith, this being his only movie. Their craziness in the Christmas pageant in this movie rivals the tomfoolery in another movie known as "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." The boy's two objectives/destinies mesh together in one incredible movie meant for anybody who's anybody to see. I would see this movie again even with Jim Carey in it.

I first saw "Simon Birch" when I was about 10 years old, and needless to say, it was so depressing that not only did I sleep terribly the night that I saw the film, but I refuse to see it ever again. My birthday was this past Wednesday and a friend of mine purchased a copy of "A Prayer for Owen Meany" for me. I started reading it last night and automatically became interested in John Irving's novel. Having remembered very little from "Simon Birch," I had no idea that the film was based upon this very entertaining book (thus far). It wasn't until I read a quote about Meany's "strike zone" that I realized I had heard this story before. Nevertheless, I'm going to continue reading "Owen Meany," because there is so much of this 500 page novel that is left out of a two hour movie. I just thought this was an interesting observation.

After reading the book that this movie was based on, "A prayer for Owen Meany", I wasn't expecting much. The film is loosely based on this book, and it is safe to say I prefer the book, HOWEVER as a movie in it's own right, it's wonderful, it's different, and it's a shame there isn't more movies like this in the world. The actors are finely picked, especially the the little lad who plays Simon Birch (Owen Meany). Every actor is excellent in their own way. There are hilarious bits, sad bits, and I found no padding whatsoever. Even Jim Carrey's usual comic-genius is suppressed in the part he plays as the grown up best friend of Simon Birch (and ergo, the narrator). Given it's age, it's a steal to buy online too. You'll not regret it.

This movie should become a classic. This movie is inspirational for all of us, for the fortunate to help you appreciate your advantages, and for the less fortunate, to help you appreciate the good we all can do with what we have. Keep striving, hang in there, it may or may not get better, but the striving helps us overcome the pain of disadvantages. It makes us a little more in control of our own lives if we can just do the best we can with what we have to work with. Simon is inspirational in every sense of his life. He is handed a lemon for life, so he sets out to make the best lemonade possible to serve to his friends and community. We should all aspire to be a Simon Birch.

OK, the movie's not so much terrible, as just really sappy and ridiculous. I was saddened to see John Irving's wonderful novel, A Prayer for Owen Meany, cheapened by this attempt to play with emotions. The book was incredibly deep and meaningful, this movie couldn't be further from that. Read the book, don't even consider the movie.