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Test Screening review of SIMON BIRCH (w/ Jim Carrey, Joseph Mazzello, Ashley Judd)
Harry here, and I want you to pay attention to the title SIMON BIRCH. This movie is fantastic. I happened to have seen it, and I'll be writing up a review real soon, but I must say that the title character is absolutely magical. He'll work his way into your psyche. Ah heck, enough, I'll let this cool dude tell ya...
Okay, I am a first time scooper for your website, so this is indeed an
honor.
I've notice that there are no reports on your site about the upcoming Simon
Birch (it opens September 11th). And I guess I can't blame you or anyone
else
for not trying to get info on it--it's not a big event picture with massive
special effects. Well, I just saw a preview screening for it today (Friday,
August 7th) and knew immediately that I had to get the word out! My
reaction
to the film can be summed up by saying this: If Saving Private Ryan had not
been released this year, Simon Birch would be wearing the crown for 1998's
best film. This is a magical, thoroughly impressive accomplishment by
veteren
screenwriter but first time director Mark Steven Johnson. It is a cinematic
fable with the power to change a person's life. To give you an idea of what
it's about, let me quote a Hollywood Pictures press release that gave it's
premise:
From the day he was born, Simon Birch was different. No bigger than a baby
bird, the doctors predicted that he'd never last the night. But he did.
Then
they said he'd never last the week. But he did. Weeks turned into months
and
months turned into years, until Simon grew into a boy with an unwavering
belief that God had a special plan for him-that He had made him this small
for
a reason.
The film stars newcomer Ian Michael Smith as Simon and Joseph Mazzello as
his
friend, Joe Wenteworth. Smith is the heart and soul of the film and
Mazzello
proves he is the best child actor since Elijah Wood. If the Academy can
find
it in their minds to eliminate age barriers, Mazzello will get a nomination.
Other great performances come from Ashley Judd, Jan Hooks, Oliver Platt
(much
better here than the overrated Bulworth) and David Strathairn. Along with
Mazzello, Strathairn clearly deserves to be recognized by the Academy for
his
work in this film. It is a film that will make you laugh out loud on many
occasions as well as make you weep. The film shows us that it isn't so much
life's victories as it is life's tragedies that reveal the existence of God.
Every year, there is one sleeper that I end up rooting for when Oscar
nominations are announced. Last year it was Mrs. Brown (my desires were not
rewarded). The year before, Fargo (my desires were rewarded). This year it
will be Simon Birch.
If all of this doesn't sell you on it, then maybe this will: the film is a
narrative told by the grown-up Joe Wenteworth. He is retelling the story of
his childhood friend Simon Birch. The adult Joe is a character that we only
physically see twice, and just hear his voice from time to time as he
narrates. In essence, it's a very small role. Who plays it? Jim Carrey!!
He did the one-day shoot and one-day studio recording for next to nothing
because, after reading the script, he knew he had to be a part of it.
This is truly a great film. When 1998 is all said and done, Simon Birch
will
be one of the films that everyone will be talking about.
And you can call me....Jeffdaddy.
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Jeez, after reading that piece of news I was pretty excited. A prayer for Owen Meany was one book that I can truly say made me think about my stance on religion and life in general. The name changes that Moriarity mentioned do not bode well in my opinion. I hate when they do this to books I love.
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In a recent interview John Irving said the he was so disappointed with the film version of his novel 'A Prayer For Owen Meany' that he had his name and the novel's name taken off the project - hence the title 'Simon Birch'. This is not to deride the film which I know nothing about, it is just to let fans of the book know how its writer felt about the adaptation.
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I am glad that you think that this movie is so great but I had to search hard to find any memory concerning anything about this film. Then, when I read your synopsis of the story, it came to me. It is the film I have been dreading since I heard that it was going to be produced. Why? Because it is the film version of one of my all-time favourite books: 'A Prayer For Owen Meaney' by John Irving - yes, the John Irving that wrote 'The World According To Garp.' Since that film hardly sets all film nerds' hearts alight with glee, especially those who loved the book, you can understand my horror at the idea of making this film. I WANTED TO MAKE IT. Thanks for spoiling my day and since I am writing this from Ireland I probably won't see this film for another Year. Oh why is Ireland and the UK left so far behind American releases ... powt, powt!
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I too think A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY is one of the greatest books I've ever read. And sadly, I don't think I'll be able to put that aside while watching the film. I'm really glad that both your spy and you yourself loved it Harry, but I hope I will be able to view the film on it's own merits. But this book is so amazingly touching, so perfect, that it'll be hard not to wince at changes in the film. Still, knowing how different the film is from the book I am glad they title and character names have been changed. It might make the differences easier to take.
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SO, SO, SO DAMN TOUCHY! YOU PEOPLE DISGUST ME! " SIMON BIRCH " IS ONLY A FILM! IF THEY DID A SORRY CHANGE FROM BOOK TO MOVIE, IT'LL BE SAID ON SEPTEMBER 11th! BUT FOR NOW, STOP TALKING, YOU'RE HURTING YOURSELVES.
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Quint here. I thought I'd put up a little something about this film. I too have had the honor of seeing this film and it was incredibly moving. Now, I've never heard of the novel that it's based on, hence I've never read it. So as to the accuracy to the novel, I couldn't tell. But this film is wonderful.
This is coming from an agnostic's point of view, so what does that tell you? This is movie based mostly on religious beliefs or the lack thereof and how it affects the characters. Usually I find movies like this preachy, but if you really want to look at it, this film is mostly about the characters and how they deal with life.
There are my two cents. If the Big Man wants me to write up a full review, I'll do so, but odds are that this little tid-bit will have to do for you constant-readers.
-Q -
All these articles I had read have remined me of the movie Radio Flyer and how it's great script was destroyed by director Richard Donner and the powers that be. A bad omen is that Jim Carrey's small role in the film is almost the same as Tom Hanks role in Radio Flyer.
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After suffering through the travesty that is the movie version of "The Hotel New Hampshire," I can understand people's apprehension over their favorite book being made into a movie. God, I LOVE that book. Reading it literally saved my life when I was in college, and it helped bring me and my wife together. Watching the movie was like having my heart and my testicles surgically removed without benefit of a pain killer. But what I can't understand is all of the people who have posted responses stating that "A Prayer for Owen Meany" is a great book. Take it from someone who has read all of John Irving's novels: IT SUCKS, and it doesn't even swallow (IMHO). I would have to rate it one of the most disappointing books I've ever read. The ending was a complete let-down. If the movie does suck, it's easy to figure out why, because the source material is totally flawed.
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To the kind gent who just claimed that Owen Meaney sucks, I would like to thank you for explaining to me, who has also read all of Irving's books, that this one sucks. Previously, I had thoughtlessly considered this my favorite novel of Irvings, and I just wanted to thank you for having the decency to straighten me out in this matter.
That being said, why don't you accept the fact that your opinion does not apply to the rest of the world.
Beyond that, we Irving fans just need to accept the fact that he just doesn't translate well to film. His characters are not Hollywood heroes, rather, they are generally complex and extremely flawed. They speek their emotions. On paper the effect is moving, often insiring. On film, the dialogue seems forced and almost jocular. For anyone who has both seen and read Hotel Newhampshire, I have but two words, "Hope Floats."
Please, don't do Cider House, too.
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Saw the trailer before Something About Mary
Noticed the inclusion of actor Jim Carrey
A move reminiscent of Radio Flyer's
Using Tom Hanks to lure ticket-buyers
And Joey Mazello has struck me as fake
In his numerous roles (much cash did he make?)
Though Ashley Judd looked pretty hot
This looks like a good movie...NOT!
In any event they cast a crippled kid
Just the same I'll wait till home vid
What gives, Harry, you like this and THE MIGHTY?
Both pictures stink, (in the words of Carrey) All righty!
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I have yet to see The Mighty, but from Harry has told me, it's better than Simon Birch.
I didn't think Simon stank. I guess these kind of movies only appeal to people who have a heart.
-Q -
I've never written in before now but felt that I had to in order to enlighten some of the dolts that dissed Simon Birch. I also had the privilege of seeing the movie recently and can say without question that it is the best film I have seen this year.
To compare it to the novel is insipid. They don't even try to fool anyone into thinking that this is a faithful adaptation--the credit is Suggested By, not Based on--and they've changed the title and character names as well. This is a movie. If you love the book, go back and read the book!
Also, I heard an interview with John Irving as well, and he did NOT take his name off in disgust--he merely was being honest to his fans (me) that this was different than his novel.
The truth, Owen Meany fans, is that Simon Birch is a better movie than Irving's novel.
Deal with it. -
I'm really glad to hear that Joe Mazello is doing good work. One movie that I absolutely adored was the Cure, which came out a few years ago, but which no one seemed to notice. Mazello and Brad Renfro play best friends who run away doun the Mississippi on a raft, to try to find the cure for AIDS. Did anybody else see that one? -Anna
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In response to Pat Hobby's comments and John Irving fans everywhere, you might want to look up the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) and search for "Cider House Rules". Irving novel film #4 is on its way!
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