Simon Birch is a well intentioned family drama that tends to be a little too sticky sweet sometimes. Simon is a precious 12 year old dwarf who wasn't expected to live through the night after being born at 22 weeks. Alas, Simon does grow up and strives to find his part in God's plan. After practically being disowned by his parents, he finds friendship in Joseph Mazello and his mother played by Ashley Judd. A strange turn of events take place that causes Simon to continually examine his purpose in life.

Simon Birch's big boost comes from some stellar acting. Ian Michael Smith plays Simon with sensitivity and great energy. He's the reason the film works as well as it does--in fact he carries the movie. Joseph Mazello, who you may remember from Jurassic Park, is fabulous as Simon's best friend. Judd manages to light up the screen with a single smile, and rounding out the top-notch cast are, Oliver Platt, Jan Hooks, and David Straitharn. Jim Carrey also shows up in a cameo and offers a terrific voice-over. Even though he's only in two scenes, he manages to make a great impact.

The screenplay for Simon Birch (adapted from the stunning John Irving novel, A Prayer For Owen Meany) tends to be a bit too manipulative. There is a subplot dealing with the identity of Mazello's father, along with a few other scenarios that just end up being a waste of time.

This film really soars when it shows the bond between Smith and Mazello. This is what the story is about.

Simon Birch is also about good acting. It's too bad the filmmakers couldn't use a little more restraint and do a little less pulling at the heart strings, (the book was anything but overly sentimental). Still, it does offer some unexpected situations, brilliant acting, and superb production values. It's also a great film for the whole family.