Unwanted by his parents--who bring new meaning to the term indifference--Simon finds love with his best friend, Joe, and Joe's mother.

For most of the film, Simon and Joe are 12 years old, living in a small town in Maine, busy with the business of growing up. Both boys have a special mission in life. Joe wants to find out the identity of his father, while Simon believes that God has put him on earth for a reason, and all he has to do is wait to ascertain what it is. So Simon waits, and we wait, too. Along the way we see mischievious exploits typical of pre-pubescent boys.

The film, like Irving's novel is at times wickedly irreverant. Tragic moments are almost comic, and established norms are pushed to ridiculous ends. All the buttons are pushed in the film. The characters are over symplified, the scenary is too beautiful, and the sky is too blue. The music certainly never misses an opportunity to scream the ominous arrival of sentimentality or excitement. But it doesn't matter a bit. Since this film is an absolute delight.

The whole tenor of the film is established by the easy wit and adorable personality of its star, 10 year old Ian Michael Smith. Simon Birch is his first movie, but knowing Hollywood, it's not the last time we'll see this 3 foot 1 inch fledgling.

Smith's impishness is admirably balanced by Joseph Mazzello as the friend and narrator, Joe. Then there's Ashley Judd as Joe's wonderful mother, from whom the sun indeed does shine.

The overall product is a most wonderful film that satisfies on every level. Drop everything and go see "Simon Birch."