Simon Birch (1998)

44% of critics liked it
(32 reviews)
75% of users liked it
(48,983 ratings)

This comedy-drama features a narration by Jim Carrey, looking back to childhood in a manner similar to the narration on TV's The Wonder Years. The film is the directorial debut of writer Mark Steven Johnson, scripter of Grumpy Old Men and its sequel. Johnson adapted only a small portion of John… More This comedy-drama features a narration by Jim Carrey, looking back to childhood in a manner similar to the narration on TV's The Wonder Years. The film is the directorial debut of writer Mark Steven Johnson, scripter of Grumpy Old Men and its sequel. Johnson adapted only a small portion of John Irving's 600-page novel A Prayer for Owen Meany (1989), but Irving requested a credit other than "based on" and also asked that the character name of Owen Meany be changed. So Owen became Simon Birch -- which then required a title change. In the title role is 11-year-old Ian Michael Smith, who is afflicted with Morquio's syndrome, a genetic disorder which causes dwarfism. The story begins when Joe Wenteworth (Jim Carrey) visits the grave of his childhood friend Simon Birch, whose stone is marked 1952-64. Joe explains that Simon is "the reason I believe in God." This is followed by a flashback to their friendship during the early '60s. In Gravestown, New Hampshire, young Joe Wenteworth (Joseph Mazzello) doesn't know who his father is, and his loving mother Rebecca (Ashley Judd) won't tell him. Joe's best buddy is young Simon Birch, born so tiny that his classmates pass him about like a "doll." Neglected at home, Simon turns to Rebecca as a surrogate mother, and he often has dinner with the Wenteworths. One night, Rebecca brings her friend Ben Goodrich (Oliver Platt) home for dinner, which annoys her crotchety mother (Dana Ivey). Later, the lives of the two 12-year-olds receive a cruel twist, and the two then become more curious to learn the secret of Joe's father. Shown in competition at the 1998 Montreal Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: Mark Johnson, Mark Steven Johnson
Written By: Mark Steven Johnson
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 11, 1998 Wide
On DVD: May 18, 1999

Critic Reviews

Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
Great, overlooked film.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Wonderfully performed and syrupy sweet
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A rare and wonderful testament to the ardor and resilience of faith. In these times, that is enough to cheer about.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lucas M

Simon Birch, is a comedy-drama that tries with intensity move the audience and captivate the heart, but the sentimentalist spoiler the entire movie. Despite have good intentions, Simon Birch becomes boring and awfully emotional. Rotten.
moon r

With good intentions and well meaning written all over it, this one is like a bowl of corn flakes, a little soggy. "Boyhood chums face some of life's challenges" might be a kind way to describe it, and though it has it's moments ultimately it sinks under the… More
With good intentions and well meaning written all over it, this one is like a bowl of corn flakes, a little soggy. "Boyhood chums face some of life's challenges" might be a kind way to describe it, and though it has it's moments ultimately it sinks under the weight of it's own corn.
Jeff "

A very boring and unspired film. This is suposed to be emotionally charged, hell this is just a stupid boring film with no direction. The midget in this film is annoying and ugly as fuck, and the storyline and is beyond terrible, sappy and stupid. Theres some terrific actors in this… More
A very boring and unspired film. This is suposed to be emotionally charged, hell this is just a stupid boring film with no direction. The midget in this film is annoying and ugly as fuck, and the storyline and is beyond terrible, sappy and stupid. Theres some terrific actors in this film, which are wasted on this sorry excuse of a film. I've never seen something so boring, and hokey. I can think of a lot of better family films than this one. This is the worst family film ever. Pass on this one.
KJ P

One of the most touching movies of the decade, because all of the acting is great, and it really helps with a great story to go along with it!
Wahida K

It is a heart warming story.
Anthony L

It has its moments but you really should read the John Irving novel "A Prayer For Owen Meany". If they had stuck to the book it would have been so much better! Ian Michael Smith was excellent though!
Jason O

I often wonder if my favorite genre of movies is drama, action, or horror. It'd be a 3-sided toss up for me - I'm always in the mood for any of the three. Simon Birch is a favorite of mine in the genre of drama as we follow the sad story of Simon and then get into the… More
I often wonder if my favorite genre of movies is drama, action, or horror. It'd be a 3-sided toss up for me - I'm always in the mood for any of the three. Simon Birch is a favorite of mine in the genre of drama as we follow the sad story of Simon and then get into the struggles and mysteries of the other characters also. Simon seems to be more Christian than almost anyone else in the movie, even the minister. Coming of age dramas in particular, such as this, "Stand By Me", etc. always seem to particularly stick with me.
Randy T

Underrated little film that was inspired by John Irving's <i>A Prayer for Owen Meany</i>. If you haven't yet read the book you'll love the film. Director Mark Steven Johnson took the story in an entirely different direction.
Leigh R

What a great movie.
Curtis L

uh...uh....BOOBIES!!!
Dean M

The ugly-duckling title character is a little boy trying to fathom the reason for his presence on Earth. His one staunch friend knows only too well the stigma of being anouteast. This film is really emotional and sentimental without becoming maudlin, upsetting without becoming… More
The ugly-duckling title character is a little boy trying to fathom the reason for his presence on Earth. His one staunch friend knows only too well the stigma of being anouteast. This film is really emotional and sentimental without becoming maudlin, upsetting without becoming intolerable, instructive without becoming didactic. I cried at the almost ending scene of losing one of best friends.
Jeremy S

The most perverse movie I have ever seen. As I sat through this film the vomit in the back of my throat began to rise. I sat surrounded by sobbing children at the sight of a demented, wheezing heavily child, who least we forget is obsessed with a certain part of the female anatomy.… More
The most perverse movie I have ever seen. As I sat through this film the vomit in the back of my throat began to rise. I sat surrounded by sobbing children at the sight of a demented, wheezing heavily child, who least we forget is obsessed with a certain part of the female anatomy. Had I gone mad or was I the only person who saw this for what it really was. A disgrace to the entire population of unfortunate demented individuals who like our midget friend have fallen victim to this horrible deformity. Never before have I seen such a senseless disgusting movie in which my heart leaped for joy as Simon Birch heavily wheezed his last breath. This was the scene in which I was meant to be crying? I don't think so.
Juan C

a heartwarming, hillarious, modern comedy drama with a small character, but a movie with a big heart. A+
Jackson W

Wonderful film consisting of jokes that strike the funny bone, and sweet moments that strike the heart.
ashley h

One of the most underrated movies ever. Most people who read the book didn't like the movie, but I read the book and was not all that impressed. Its hilarious but has some wonderful ideas that the characters learn. I think Carrey has the potential to branch more into drama also
R?o?d?r?i?g?o? R

It is a somewhat columbarium movie is entertaining, a bit "tender" and a bit childish, but at times it becomes something a little stronger. The finish is good and a little emotional.
Chad R

This is a really good movie. All you suckers for a tear jerker chick type flick should rent this. I can't remember why I watched this originally as it is not my typical type of movie, no violence, no guns or explosions, Ashley Judd is fully clothed for the whole dang… More
This is a really good movie. All you suckers for a tear jerker chick type flick should rent this. I can't remember why I watched this originally as it is not my typical type of movie, no violence, no guns or explosions, Ashley Judd is fully clothed for the whole dang movie...etc. I almost teared up TWICE in this movie. ALMOST! I guarantee that every chick watching this will blubber like Peach if he quit drinking beer and chewing in the same week. You will love the kid who plays Simon Birch.
Lee K

Sad but good family film, i would see it again.
Audrey L

Nasty adaptation of A Prayer For Owen Meany.To be fair though,that wonderful little character would have been very hard to capture on film...
Haley A

A touching movie with amazing performances. A major tearjerker!!! I felt it lived up to the book very well.