Simple Things promises to be an uplifting story on the familiar theme of the big-city doctor learning life lessons in a small town. Yes, the theme's been overdone (think Doc Elliot, Doctor Quinn: Medicine Woman, Doc Hollywood, and the excellent Everwood),but it still has potential. Unfortunately, Simple Things realizes none of it. It's based on a book of short stories "Through the Window of Childhood," but Simple Things treats the story of the doctor's son as a fitfully visited subplot, despite the fact that the children turn in the only good performances in the movie. (Nicole Channing's performance is actually stunning ... her career is one to watch.)

Cameron Bancroft is completely wooden in his role, and does more than the rest of the cast put together to murder the movie. He curiously displays no interest in helping his mourning son, and never even touches him except during a medical emergency. The other adult actors are poor as well. Bellamy Young comes across as an annoying goody two-shoes in the role of the town's mayor.

Finally, the message is hopelessly muddled. Is it about opening yourself up to the people you serve, or doing everything you can to win the big promotion?

I Thought it to be a very entertaining movie . It will be hard to beat this one. Yes I will recommend it!!!!!!!!James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 11/10/2021.

Dr. Evan Gibbs (Cameron Bancroft) and his son Nate are in mourning. Their wife and mother has died and both father and tween are needing a fresh start. For Dr. Gibbs, he is anxious to leave his present practice and become the head of pediatrics in a large Chicago hospital, a new venue. Although he is qualified, the hospital human resource director is still not certain Evan would be the right fit. Therefore, he asks Dr. Gibbs to spend the summer in a rural North Carolina community, where he will be challenged in many ways. If he makes it through this test, the job is his. Having no other choice, Evan and Nate land in NC, both very reluctantly, for they are city dwellers. There isn't even cable! Yet, Nate is sought out by two curious kids who wish to make friends, easing his initial misgivings. Dr. Evan, on the other hand, struggles, for the townfolks seem mighty uncouth, except for the pretty mayor, Terry (Bellamy Young). Yet, once Gibbs begins to help those in medical need, he grows more connected to the backwards area. Will he and Nate end up in Chicago or take a detour? This is truly a lovely, admirable, enjoyable film for the whole wide world. Its story is touching and rooted in reality while the handsome Bancroft and the beautiful Young make a great twosome for romance fans. Naturally, the setting is rustically eye-catching while the direction is solid, capturing the slower pace of country life. Tired of toxic television and questionable entertainment choices? You can remedy that by securing a view of this fine flick.