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Movies / On DVD / Simon Birch
Simon Birch

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Simon Birch (1998)

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Reviews Counted:31

Fresh:14

Rotten:17

Average Rating:5.9/10

Consensus: Overly mushy; tries too hard to pull at the heart-strings.

Runtime: 1 hr 54 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: Born the size of a human hand, Simon Birch was not predicted to live through the first week of his life. Then the first month. Then the first year. Twelve years later, Simon is still alive, and... Born the size of a human hand, Simon Birch was not predicted to live through the first week of his life. Then the first month. Then the first year. Twelve years later, Simon is still alive, and still incredibly undersized. He constantly reminds his best friend Joe that God has a special plan for him. Meanwhile, Joe spends his time closed off from his mother's new suitors, preoccupied with the knowledge that he has never been told who his real father is. When fate intervenes in the form of a foul ball during a little league game, Joe understands that he will never learn the truth; unless Simon is right about there being a purpose for everything, that is. A hopeful, heartwarming tale that the whole family can enjoy. Based on John Irving's A Prayer For Owen Meany. [More]

Starring: Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, Joseph Mazzello, Ian Michael Smith

Starring: Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, Joseph Mazzello, Ian Michael Smith, David Strathairn, Dana Ivey, Beatrice Winde, Jan Hooks, Jim Carrey

Director: Mark Steven Johnson

Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Screenwriter: Mark Steven Johnson
Story: John Irving
Producer: Roger Birnbaum, Laurence Mark
Composer: Marc Shaiman

[See More Credits]

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Release:

May 18, 1999

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • Simon Birch
  • 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!
  • Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
  •  
     
     
     

    Reviews for Simon Birch

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    N/R

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    Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
    10/18/08
    Dennis Harvey
    Dennis Harvey
    Variety
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    N/R

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    Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
    02/09/06
    Derek Adams
    Derek Adams
    Time Out

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    Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
    12/06/05
    Film Threat
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    N/R

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    Full Review Source: Reeling Reviews | comment Comment
    04/09/05
    Robin Clifford
    Robin Clifford
    Reeling Reviews
    N/R

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    Full Review Source: Film Blather | comment Comment
    05/22/03
    Eugene Novikov
    Eugene Novikov
    Film Blather

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    Full Review Source: Palo Alto Weekly | comment Comment
    05/20/03
    Leonard Schwarz
    Leonard Schwarz
    Palo Alto Weekly
    N/R

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    Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
    05/20/03
    Stephen Holden
    Stephen Holden
    New York Times
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    Full Review Source: Film Quips Online | comment Comment
    02/08/03
    John R. McEwen
    John R. McEwen
    Film Quips Online

    Great, overlooked film.

    comment Comment
    02/07/03
    Gerry Shamray
    Gerry Shamray
    Sun Newspapers of Cleveland

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    Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
    12/08/02
    Film Threat
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    N/R

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    Full Review Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune | comment Comment
    11/06/02
    Jeff Strickler
    Jeff Strickler
    Minneapolis Star Tribune
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    N/R

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    Full Review Source: Cincinnati Enquirer | comment Comment
    10/15/02
    Margaret A. McGurk
    Margaret A. McGurk
    Cincinnati Enquirer

    Wonderfully performed and syrupy sweet

    comment Comment
    09/17/02
    Clint Morris
    Clint Morris
    Moviehole

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    Full Review Source: Movie Habit | comment Comment
    08/21/02
    Marty Mapes
    Marty Mapes
    Movie Habit
    N/R

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    Full Review Source: ReelTalk Movie Reviews | comment Comment
    08/02/02
    Betty Jo Tucker
    Betty Jo Tucker
    ReelTalk Movie Reviews
    N/R

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    Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
    06/05/02
    Boxoffice Magazine
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    Full Review Source: Globe and Mail | comment Comment
    04/12/02
    Globe and Mail
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    N/R

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    Full Review Source: Boston Phoenix | comment Comment
    03/24/02
    Boston Phoenix
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    N/R

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    Full Review Source: Sight and Sound | comment Comment
    03/05/02
    Richard Kelly
    Richard Kelly
    Sight and Sound

    A rare and wonderful testament to the ardor and resilience of faith. In these times, that is enough to cheer about.

    Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | comment Comment
    03/03/02
    Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
    Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
    Spirituality and Practice
     
     
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