It was a cute and somewhat heartwarming movie. I do agree with some of the other critics that the conversations about "boobs" and then the borderline sexual assault from a twelve year old was highly inappropriate for something so obviously geared towards a "family movie". Had that one scene not been in there, it would have been a four-star rating easy as it was very enjoyable.

What great story about friendship and faith. The performances were fantastic and it's definitely one of the best of 1998. Tim Treakle

My hatred for the little loser known as Simon Birch increased with every second I was forced to watch this doo doo water movie in my least favourite religion class. If I wasn't already an atheist before, this movie and especially Simon Birch would have made me one. According to my fellow sufferer friend, "this is my argument against the protestant reformation" The movie follows the "heart warming" story of two perverted and horny 12 year olds. Every time they breathe around a woman, they end up thinking about her boobs. You are 12. Chill. To make it even worse, Simon has a thing for his bestie's mom and views her sexually. Child of God my ass. Then Simon manages to kill his bestie's mom with a baseball and is too much of a coward to even show up to her funeral. Okay bro. After all this, his friend still manages to like his ass. Simon should've jumped when he had the chance. Our least favourite Christian Simon then proceeds to ruin a whole play because he got too horny and touches a girl's boobs. He gets told off by the pastor and suddenly the pastor is the bad guy and Simon is a hero. If your definition of hero is murderer and sexual offender then it works I guess. Overall, Simon is a character that makes you want to kill yourself. You couldn't pay me to watch this movie again. If you already hate Christians or are looking to become an atheist, this movie is for you.

Simon was born small and lived 'special' for his entire life. Things change when the mom he never had gets hit by a baseball and dies. It might be mushy - but it has smiles and values built in.

I LOVE this movie. I don’t need to write something longwinded about it. I have seen it many many times! It’s just one of the movies, I am so thankful they made. So good xo

This is very much a family film, one with a fair dosage of sentimentality, cheese and cliche. This isn't always a bad thing and there is something somehow comforting about it, even though you can guess most of what happens. Its an easy, light watch and it won't likely offend or upset people, which is a good thing I guess. It's not exactly memorable or particularly good but its a fairly decent watch - I wouldn't outright recommend it as such but there are certainly worse films out there, so, I'll leave it up to you whether you should bother to see it or not.

Seriously, F the so-called “critics”. This movie is wonderful.

This movie is moving AF. Sick of these depressed reviewers who think that movies have to be pretentious to be noteworthy.

Melodramatic mess that doesn't forget to laugh at groping.

Loved this movie always have. Critics of course don't but if re released in today's climate I think it would be a hit. Kind, caring, sad, happy common words can express feelings in movies without trying so hard to sound intelligent. Movies can be simple and beautiful.

a wonderful great film not for kids but a great coming of age movie that tales a great story of friend ship

Fantastic film!!!!! Highly recommend

Great movie! First movie my kids ever cried! Buying it for my grandcgildren to see now. Kids need to see some emotional movies. They really have no empathy these days.

Good adaptation of Irving's book.

This movie was really good and had the perfect story to tell.

All these haters have absolutely no soul. Lovely film. Heartwarming, humorous, and a new favorite of mine.

Such an underrated film, Simon Birch delivers laugh, love, and tears all in one film!

It has been like 18 years since I've seen this movie! Looking back, I don't think that I'd like to watch it again because of the sexual references which our young protagonist gives. There is some heart, and a few funny moments, but nothing to shout home about.

Simon maybe a little person but he is a hero!

This is a sweet film that makes us see a positive, in people with challenged height.Simon is short, but has a tongue that vocalizes his opinion on things.He seems to know about God,and relays that he received a message and answer about his future.Simon feels the sadness,when he accidentally whacks his friend's mom in head with ball. His friend Joe,has a yearning to find out who he is, and who had adopted him.Our hero is called, when a stormy flood challenges the lives of other people in a bus.In my opinion, Simon becomes the heroic angel,as they depicted him in the Christmas play.