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Region Code: &nbsp; 1
UPC: &nbsp;717951002358
Catalog #: &nbsp;D31172073

Simon Birch

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Review

Suggested (not based) on John Irving's novel "A Prayer for Owen Meany," Simon Birch uses only the first third of Irving's book. Gone are the boyhood adolescent talks, masturbation sessions, college; gone, in fact, is much of the spirit. Writer-director Johnson has, instead, fashioned a shamefully manipulative family drama defined by tragic acts, rather than a black comedy touched by tragedy. Set in 1964, the story centers on the friendship of 12-year-olds Joe (Mazzello) and Simon (Smith), the two town outcasts (Joe's illegitimate, Simon was born with dwarfism). Their outcome is basically known from the start courtesy of opening narration by Carrey as an older Joe, who is visiting Simon's grave site. In how they get there, Johnson concentrates on the sap, forgetting that the original story is laced with irony and humor. He manages a few good touches, but most of it is sledge-hammer subtle.