I looked back this week, at some of the reviews that I've written lately, and I noticed a theme.  I had something bad to say about most of them (save Return To Paradise), and it caused me think. Am I really to hard and critical on movies, have I become that embittered old grown up that I always dreaded when I was younger, or are the movies really just not that good.  Were my expectations set too high?  All of these thoughts were rattling around in my head as I entered the theater to see Simon Birch.  Let me just say that my faith has once again been restored in the cinema, and its power.  Restored, by a movie about pure, honest, true and real faith in the human spirit, and the power of belief.  Restored by a story about a boy who personifies faith in its purest, most real and true form.

I really don't want to waste too much time analyzing this movie, because my words really can't do justice to the effect and power this movie possesses.  Plain and simple, it is an emotional ride.  It is funny, heartwarming, touching, inspirational, dramatic, smart, and real.  It contains all those aspects, and yet does not become bogged down in any one of them to point of overkill.  The movie knows the perfect recipe, and just how much of each to throw in and make you feel it. 

The story is simple and fairly secondary here. It is based upon a story called "A Prayer For Owen Meany". A smaller than average boy faces the trials and tribulations of life, with his one true friend, and an undying faith in the fact that "God has a plan for him".   So strong is his faith, that his maturity level and manner of speaking reach well beyond his 12 years.  The characters are the real stars here, and each is pulled of flawlessly, down to the smallest (no pun intended) role.  I always respect a movie so good, that it can draw everyone together, and bring out the best in even the smallest of roles.  Jan Hooks, as a put upon chain-smoking Sunday school teacher (a Saturday Night alumnus who shows some promise in a sarcastically comic turn), David Strathairn as the local minister, seemingly with a heart of gold, but a deeper agenda (I've liked a lot of his work, he is an underrated, and underused character actor), Ashley Judd, who I've liked since Time To Kill (and not just because of her looks, but because of the sweet, yet sensual power that she brings to every role) and even Oliver Platt, who I've taken to task in a few roles (why Dr Dolittle..oh why Ollie), but here, he tones down his manic comic talents, and comes across, and sweet, charming, even a bit eccentric, but with a very big and caring heart.  However, the stars of this movie, are the younger talents, Mazzello, and newcomer Smith.  Mazzello (wonderful in "The Cure" and recognizable from Lost World) adds a powerful dramatic touch to his youthful innocence, and ascent into puberty.  He is like a million other kids you see in the summer, riding bikes, fishing, swimming and playing baseball, ignorant to the world outside their own, and committed to those closest to him.   I hope he takes on other roles, and grows into his wonderful potential.  That brings me to Smith.  I am not sure what exactly his background, and medical condition is (I cant remember, but I know it's something), but he fits this role, as if he lives it, everyday.  You feel like you are watching a camera on his life, because he does things, and reacts, so naturally, and honestly, that if he's acting, it’s one of the best performances in years. 

I never thought I would hear myself uttering the phrases "best movies" and "Jim Carrey" in the same sentence. But alas, I must. Although Carrey doesn't play a major part in this movie (narrating, and basically opening, and closing the story), he is still showing me that maybe he is trying to take the Robin Williams turn, and be taken seriously as an actor. His narration is crisp, and effective, and his onscreen moments are emotional, seemingly honest, and heartfelt.