September 20, 1998 -- "Simon Birch," is one of those rare films, like last year's "The Apostle," that occasionally includes the word God in its dialogue without it always being a part of a curse.

The title character, played very well by the diminutive Ian Michael Smith, is a boy born very small. He was not expected to live. He has faith that the miracle of his life has reason, that he is God's instrument and he will be a hero.

Instead, he unwittingly becomes the instrument of death, killing the one person he loves most in life. His faith is tested to the limit. He seeks help from adults, but they lack his faith. Instead, he must become the teacher and show everyone what faith is.

Birch's best friend is Joe Wentworth (Joseph Mazzello), who really carries the film as much as Smith does. He and Simon become friends because both are outcasts in their small New England town. The film also stars Ashley Judd ("Kiss the Girls") as Joe's mother and Oliver Platt ("Flatliners") as her boyfriend and David Strathairn as Rev. Russell. Jim Carrey also has a small role in the film.

All the actors do a great job in this film, especially the two young boys. The film does have some very funny lines and gags in it, but basically it is a tear-jerker. It really got to me. It made me laugh at first and then cry. It is manipulative, but also very entertaining and moving. It rates an A.

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