Rating: 
Summary: See Sam
Review: It's kind of funny that actors seem to always win some kind of award for playing a mentally-handicapped person. But after watching "I am Sam," it's easy to understand why. This is, without a doubt, one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. It makes you laugh... a lot... but it also hits your sentimental side... and it hits it hard. The photography can be disorienting at times, but the acting is top-notch, the humor and drama coincide perfectly, and it's got a story that will make you think differently about people. You really don't see many movies like this anymore, so grab 'em while you can, because they sure are fun to watch.
Rating:
Summary: One word to describe it; "Pleasurableness"
Review: "I Am Sam" is an exuisitely directed movie, with superb acting by Sean Penn and Michelle. The movie takes us into the depth of a mentally disabled persons mind, and how he touches us all from within. It also shows us the neglet he feels from the people around him. It maked us feel guilty about the fact that how we exepmt such people from our daily lives. How he struggles to get his daughter Lucy back is amazing. Amid having the mind of a seven year old, he goes through all extents, far above his capabilities, to get his daughter back. And at the end he does. We as normal people sometimes tend to take our abilities for granted, claiming that we have a lot of knowledge. But people such as Mr Dawson(Sean Penn), have far more abilities than us normal people. They have the ability to truly love from deep within and struggle to attain their goals.
If such movies are further directed, I truly belive that we will learn to appreciate the abilities and rights of the "Mentally Disabled".
Rating:
Summary: "Save me a seat on your side of the courtroom!"
Review: Sean Penn as a devoted father (Sam) who despite mental challenges fights for the right to raise his child is convincing in a complete departure from his usual "bad guy" characters. Michelle Pfeiffer plays his reluctant "pro bono" elite lawyer, who eventually puts 110% into this case. The love between Sam and his 7 year old daughter is evident in many sweet scenes (have a BOX of kleenex handy!), best described by a reclusive neighbor (wonderfully played by Dianne Wiest), who overcomes her hermit-like condition long enough to testify in Sam's behalf. Even the social workers who insisted on doing everything to "help the child" appear to be fighting emotions over this unusual case. The "support system", which includes several equally challenged "buddies", a very supportive employer, and many other people in the community gives evidence of our changing society, fostering inclusion and tolerance. Eventually even the prospective adoptive parents of Sam's daughter can't go on fighting against this exemplary father. The girl playing Sam's daughter appears to be "gifted", at age 7 reading middle school material. Perhaps the "difference" between father & daughter's intelligence did not have to be in such an obvious extreme. The implication of a romantic involvement between Sam and his lawyer could have been avoided as well. The former is stretching it, but the latter is going too far. One can suspend her/his disbelief only so much! Since there are no "perfect" movies, I still consider this one pretty darn close! Highly recommended!*****
Rating:
Summary: Touching story, Penn does super job!
Review: Sean Penn was robbed of his award this year. His acting is sensational and the movie itself was very touching. Penn plays a mentally disabled man who has a child with a woman, who flees once the baby is born. Sam (Penn) raises his child for the first 7 years before authorities realize that he is not a fit father for her. His fast talking, high rolling lawyer, Michelle Pfieffer, is a mom who can't control her own child and learns a lot through Sam. A very good movie. It is suitable for all ages and can teach children about people who are different. Truthful, honest, clean and touching in many ways. Overall, a very good movie.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies around in a while.
Review: This film should have won more awards at the Oscars. I loved this movie as it made you cry then laugh then cry then laugh. That pattern repeats a lot and s.penn is a great actor.
Rating:
Summary: Sean Penn and BEST MUSIC- "I'd Love To Turn You On........."
Review: Very interesting movie! Really only deserves 4 1/2 Stars because of Michelle Pfeiffer's unconvincing character, the lawyer who ungraciously helps Sam (she came across as so fake and unlikeable). I agree with the viewer who pointed out that after the first time the little girl crawled out of her window and crossed a dangerous street to visit her dad, some action like new windows or doors would have taken place. Believe it or not, I loved I AM SAM despite the faults mentioned.... Sean Penn's character, while fascinating, fails to totally convince me as being possible like the other points, however, it is his loveable characterizations that make the movie worth watching. Oh, the music adds to my fondness of this picture too. I am a HUGE Beatles fan, so I became intrigued when I discovered Beatles' songs were being used in the movie. Sure, it would have been great to have heard the original versions, and I don't know if these new interpretations are worth screaming about. Still, I love the idea of mixing the songs that are magical by themselves into this modern day fantasy. I heartily approved of the nine (remember the significance of "number 9") songs used, however, why wasn't "Here Comes the Sun" played at the very end instead of the lovely but not really appropriate "Mother Nature's Son?" The only reason I can think of is what is said in the commentary on the making of I AM SAM when someone says George Harrison did not get a chance to watch the movie (how sad!), and therefore could not have approved the perfect hopeful song that should have been worked into the movie. The choices for material were wonderful, so I hate to complain. "Blackbird" may be my all time favorite Beatles song, and it certainly was used well at the right moment! I know there is a lot more to the overall movie than the music, but I think the songs were crucial to the overall success. It is imperative that sensitivity and heart felt emotions prevail, and since The Beatles touched the souls of millions of people and still remain a powerful force of good emotions, what better choice than to include their music? Since Sam pretty much worshiped the songs and shared his love for Beatles music it works well in the story. I can't listen to the song "Two Of Us" now without feeling a small tear in my eyes! Paul McCartney wrote that song about his new relationship with his soon to be wife Linda. I liked that song before, but now love it because it was so sweet when describing the loving relationship between Sam and his daughter!
Rating: 
Summary: Great Sean Penn, as always
Review: Sean Penn, truly, has grown to become a splendid actor. His performance in this film is hugely affecting, very credible. Dakota Fanning (where on earth did they find this heavenly child?) is simply wonderful--achingly beautiful and scarily talented for such a young child. The drag on the film is the usually compelling Michelle Pfeiffer who phones this one in. She fails absolutely to inhabit the character of the driven lawyer who only takes on Sam's case in order to score points with her co-workers. For a woman as outrageously beautiful as Pfeiffer to deliver a (supposedly) gut-wrenching speech on her many flaws, she'd have had to bring a lot more to the table than she does. It's just not possible to buy her in this part (which is a pity, given her many other, wonderful performances--especially in The Fabulous Baker Boys). That said, Penn and the supporting cast carry this picture with such a depth of commitment that it's possible to ignore the fact that Pfeiffer is outperformed right off the screen. Yes, it's sentimental; yes, it's been done before. But not by Penn, who never fails to bring his all to each role he takes on. This is a feel-good movie with fine performances by Dianne Wiest, Laura Dern, Mary Steenburgen, and the rest of the cast.
Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A memorable must see for all.
Review: This might be the first time since I starting writing reviews 7 years ago I could not be distracted from watching a film. In 2000, Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt gave us something to think about in Pay it Forward, a wonderful film. (#12 on my all time best movie list) i am Sam, in a similar theme, brings us close to a world around us we may never have seen. A father after 7 years of caring for his child has her taken from him by the State. Why, because he's not fit to raise her because he is mentally handicapped? You decide. i am Sam shows us the love of a parent for a child, the way the "system" works and the conflicts in our legal system. This film speaks to all. Sean Penn, #13 all time greatest actor, (click on link below) the stunning, Michelle Pfeiffer, the wonderful Dakota Fanning and Dianne Weist, Loretta, Devine, Richard Schiff, Mary Steenburgen and the beautiful Laura Dern could not have portrayed their characters any better than they did, nor could any other actor; perfect casting for a perfect script. I strongly recommend that you not rent this film; you buy it and watch it with your family. The love of a parent for a child has never been portrayed as well as Sean Penn did. During the years, I have written some of the more flattering reviews of Sean's work, and I admit he is one of the best Hollywood has ever produced and I am a fan. However, in i am Sam I admit he excelled beyond his best performances and my expectations. This 2001 movie was brilliantly co-written and directed Jessie Nelson and is rated PG-13 and is suitable for all ages. It is a must see.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie!
Review: My mother teaches autismn and we watched this movie this morning. Its so touching and heartfelt!!!! I really enjoyed it alot. You really Believe Sean Penn is like that he does a great job of acting in this movie! And the little girl does amazing in it you can just tell how much she loves her daddy. Watch this movie its great!
Rating: 
Summary: over rated
Review: this was not really that great and had many flaws. its just stupid. i'm more of a teen movie guy myself though so loeave this on shelves puhlease.
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