a cinematic version of one of john irving 's novels is always cause for celebration even if , as in the case of " simon birch , " the treatment is merely " suggested by , " rather than strictly based on , the book .
suggested means that irving , author of the acclaimed " the world according to garp , " sold the rights to his novel " a prayer for owen meany " to the disney machine for $ 1 million , but would n't grant them permission to use either the title or any of the character names .
that 's an odd decision -- irving claims it 's to protect both himself and the novel -- but it 's one that does n't unduly harm the finished product .
irving 's books are rich and complex works , full of intriguing , colorful characters .
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a prayer for owen meany " is no exception ; it tells the story of an unusual boy -- called simon birch in the film version -- who is uncommonly small in stature and possesses a high - pitched falsetto voice , " like strangled mice .
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simon believes himself to be " god 's instrument , " placed on this earth to somehow effect god 's plan .
simon is played by ian michael smith , who suffers from a rare enzyme disorder known as morquio syndrome which , among other things , prevents bones , ligaments , and joints from developing normally .
smith 's debilitating disease makes him an obvious physical choice for " simon birch " ; however , the producers unwisely favored form over function -- smith 's acting abilities are limited at best .
another drawback is that in the book , simon 's condition is described the way irving describes any of his characters -- in careful , loving detail . watching " simon birch , " however , creates a different feeling altogether ; the audience is forced into a voyeuristic relationship with the character , surely something irving would not have intended .
simon himself tends to be too cute and irritating , a combination of smith 's rookie status as an actor and the precocious one - liners he 's forced to deliver , courtesy mark steven johnson , the film 's director and screenwriter .
fortunately , simon birch is n't the real star of the film that bears his name .
simon is more of a catalyst , allowing his co - stars to shape the story , and the actors who fill those roles to turn in outstanding supporting performances , saving the film from an obsequious , manipulative destiny .
first and foremost is joseph mazzello ( " jurassic park " ) , who is nothing less than remarkable as simon 's best friend , joe .
mazzello turns in a wonderfully layered performance for a 14 year old , ripe with laughter , pain , and tears ; he is certainly an emerging talent .
ashley judd
positively beams in her role as rebecca , joe 's single mother , and oliver platt is warm and tender as her boyfriend , ben .
david strathairn and jan hooks play the town 's reverend and sunday school teacher respectively and their contributions uphold the high standards set by the others .
there 's even a surprising yet effective uncredited cameo performance from .
. .
well , that would be telling .
perhaps " suggested by " the novel is the appropriate way to go after all , since " simon birch " only focuses on one chapter , one year , of simon 's extraordinary life .
the film also changes the book 's ending to one that is more melodramatic , yet necessary given simon 's lot .
the flavor of irving 's original novel remains , however -- the passions , friendships , and insecurities that come with a change of seasons to the little community of gravestown , maine , and the engaging oddballs , both big and small , who reside there .
Output: P