Actor who played Simon singlehandedly saves an otherwise wretched film

The score is beyond terrible; one of the worst I have ever experienced. What were they thinking?

John Irving's book was rewritten/reworked to death so as to be more palatable to middle America, so much so that he wouldn't allow the book's title to be used.

The resulting story is not much better than a Hallmark movie on Lifetime.

The actor who played Simon, however, turns in a touching virtuoso performance. He was only 10 when this was filmed! Truly amazing. I wish he had continued acting but it seems he is doing just fine in his life, professionally speaking (he went to MIT).

I finally saw this movie for the first time this week (only 18 years late) and I am glad I did, ONLY because of the actor who played Simon.

He deserved an Oscar and/or a Golden Globe nomination. At least a nomination, FFS. I don't know why he didn't get either.

Bravo, Mr. Smith.