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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

    Dennis Harvey

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 18 2008 03:22 AM

    Variety

    N/R

    Derek Adams

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 09 2006 03:16 AM

    Time Out

    splat
    2.5/5

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 06 2005 07:31 PM

    Film Threat

    N/R

    Robin Clifford

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Apr., 09 2005 03:23 AM

    Reeling Reviews

    N/R

    Eugene Novikov

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    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | May., 22 2003 05:04 PM

    Film Blather

    splat
    1.5/4

    Leonard Schwarz

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | May., 20 2003 05:04 PM

    Palo Alto Weekly

    N/R

    Stephen Holden

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | May., 20 2003 05:04 PM

    New York Times

    tomato
    4/5

    John R. McEwen

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 08 2003 08:05 AM

    Film Quips Online

    tomato
    5/5

    Gerry Shamray

    Great, overlooked film.

    comment Comment | Feb., 07 2003 12:36 AM

    Sun Newspapers of Cleveland

    splat
    2.5/5

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 08 2002 08:08 AM

    Film Threat

    N/R

    Jeff Strickler

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Nov., 06 2002 02:50 PM

    Minneapolis Star Tribune

    N/R

    Margaret A. McGurk

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    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 15 2002 08:05 AM

    Cincinnati Enquirer

    tomato
    3/5

    Clint Morris

    Wonderfully performed and syrupy sweet

    comment Comment | Sep., 17 2002 11:07 PM

    Moviehole

    splat
    2/4

    Marty Mapes

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 21 2002 08:04 AM

    Movie Habit

    N/R

    Betty Jo Tucker

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 02 2002 08:04 AM

    ReelTalk Movie Reviews

    N/R

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 05 2002 08:03 AM

    Boxoffice Magazine

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    1/4

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Apr., 12 2002 08:03 AM

    Globe and Mail

    N/R

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    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 24 2002 08:04 AM

    Boston Phoenix

    N/R

    Richard Kelly

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    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 05 2002 08:03 AM

    Sight and Sound

    tomato

    Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

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

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 03 2002 08:33 AM

    Spirituality and Practice

     
     
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