He directed his first professional stage play at 17, the regional tour of a children's show entitled Jack and The Wishing Beans, for the Roundtree Players.

Simon directed his first professional stage play at 17, the regional tour of a children's show entitled Jack and The Wishing Beans, for the Roundtree Players.

Each man's story, their lies, fears, and deceits weaves a humorous, hallucinatory and heartbreaking journey toward understanding.

[8] It is now distributed by Pop Twist Entertainment after a complete digital restoration of picture and sound from the original 35 mm negative.

"[17] Bill Gallo of the Los Angeles New Times proclaimed, "This first feature by a young Chicago director named Bryan W. Simon is an astonishing thing to behold", and said the film was a "brave, funny, and engaging movie.

"[18] Russell Smith of The Austin Chronicle called Along for the Ride, "Fresh and compelling, look and feel is nothing short of amazing" and stated, "Thanks to Simon's assured and straightforward direction, this film rises well above the lackluster status quo of current indie cinema.

"[19] Daria Snadowsky of INsite Magazine declared, "Along for the Ride is a triumph for independent cinema... an extraordinary antidote to the mediocre mainstream".

[20] Patrick Hickey of The Review Fix stated, "Simon has without a doubt done his homework and made his subjects charming, thoughtful and fun, from start to finish.

"[21] Dan Pearson, Sun Times Media for the Beacon-News, "I'm No Dummy, an entertaining and often eloquent 2009 documentary by Waukegan filmmaker Bryan W.

"[23] Patrick Hickey of The Review Fix stated, "Bryan W. Simon's directing also brings out Johnson's quirky and sincere style with shots that showcase his wide smile.