ROLL-M |
Simon Birch (starring Ian Michael Smith, Joseph Mazello, Ashley Judd and Oliver Platt; written for the screen and directed by Mark Steven Johnson; Rated PG)
Simon Birch is a surprisingly good movie. Surprisingly, because on the surface it may seem designed to twang and pull at the old heart strings, but it manages to resist the instinct to become overly maudlin or preachy, given the subject matter.
"Suggested" by the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving (read: "It’s nothing like the original novel"), the movie is a quirky buddy picture, the story of two pre-teen pals, each with a mission. Simon Birch (Smith) – all three-feet-one of him – is convinced there is a reason for his short stature, i.e., God has put him on this planet to accomplish something heroic. His friend Joe’s (Mazello) mission is less complex – to find out who is his true father. Together this odd couple not only bonds with each other, but the audience as well.
Ashley Judd turns in another fine performance; it’s amazing how quickly she’s grown up on film. Can she really be old enough now to be playing the parent of a 12-year-old?
Jim Carrey phoned in his brief appearance as the adult Joe, narrating the story of Simon from the grave of the youngster (a devise which strangely gives away the ending). We see him for only moments at pic’s beginning and ending. He must have had a free Monday on his calendar.
One can only wonder at the future acting opportunities for young Smith, the pint-sized bundle of talent who carries nearly every scene on his small shoulders. The Chicago native was discovered in a nationwide casting call, but roles for "little people" are generally not as juicy as his lead in Simon Birch. It will be interesting to see where his newfound fame leads him.
(Reviewer’s side note: I caught Ian Smith on "Jay Leno" the other night – I’m convinced he’s a Mensan – what a pleasure to see an interview with a bright, articulate child instead of the usual sillies Leno has on!)
THREE AND A HALF OWLS (out of five)