Simon
Birch is a well intentioned family drama that tends to be a little too sticky
sweet sometimes. Simon is a precious 12 year old dwarf who wasn't expected to
live through the night after being born at 22 weeks. Alas, Simon does grow up
and strives to find his part in God's plan. After practically being disowned by
his parents, he finds friendship in Joseph Mazello and his mother played by Ashley
Judd. A strange turn of events take place that causes Simon to continually examine
his purpose in life.
Simon
Birch's big boost comes from some stellar acting. Ian Michael Smith plays Simon
with sensitivity and great energy. He's the reason the film works as well as it
does--in fact he carries the movie. Joseph Mazello, who you may remember from
Jurassic Park, is fabulous as Simon's best friend. Judd manages to light up the
screen with a single smile, and rounding out the top-notch cast are, Oliver Platt,
Jan Hooks, and David Straitharn. Jim Carrey also shows up in a cameo and offers
a terrific voice-over. Even though he's only in two scenes, he manages to make
a great impact.
The
screenplay for Simon Birch (adapted from the stunning John Irving novel, A Prayer
For Owen Meany) tends to be a bit too manipulative. There is a subplot dealing
with the identity of Mazello's father, along with a few other scenarios that just
end up being a waste of time.
This
film really soars when it shows the bond between Smith and Mazello. This is what
the story is about.
Simon
Birch is also about good acting. It's too bad the filmmakers couldn't use a little
more restraint and do a little less pulling at the heart strings, (the book was
anything but overly sentimental). Still, it does offer some unexpected situations,
brilliant acting, and superb production values. It's also a great film for the
whole family.
