Simon Birch

Synopsis

Simon Birch is a heartwarming tale about a young boy named Simon, who is much smaller than his peers but possesses unwavering faith and a unique outlook on life. Alongside his best friend Joe, Simon embarks on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and coming to terms with his place in the world. Through a series of events that test their faith and strength, Simon and Joe learn valuable lessons about love, hope, and the power of believing in oneself. Set against the backdrop of a small town in New Hampshire, the film explores the profound impact that one individual can have on the lives of those around them.

Cast

• 

  Ashley Judd

  Rebecca Wenteworth

• Ian Michael Smith

  Simon Birch

• 

  Joseph Mazzello

  Joe Wenteworth

• 

  Oliver Platt

  Ben Goodrich

• 

  David Strathairn

  Rev. Russell

• 

  Dana Ivey

  Grandmother Wenteworth

Reviews

Simon Birch has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its heartfelt story and charming performances, while others criticize its sentimental tone.

Roger Ebert from the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, praising the performances of the cast and calling it 'a touching and bittersweet tale of friendship and faith'. On the other hand, Peter Travers from Rolling Stone was less impressed, stating that the film 'veers into melodrama and cliches'.

IMDb users have rated Simon Birch 6.8/10, indicating a generally positive reception. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a score of 44%, with the consensus that 'while the film tugs at the heartstrings, its sentimentality can be overwhelming at times'. Metacritic rated the film 39/100, suggesting a more mixed critical response. Overall, Simon Birch is a movie that strikes emotional chords with some viewers while falling short for others.