I Am Sam (DVD) > Reviews

Advantages: A look in to the lives of disabled people
Disadvantages: a few slow moving parts

...us are unaware of. I found the scenes when SAM interacted with his friends delightful. I also appreciated the love they also had for Lucy and how much they were willing to go through to help Sam get her back. Dianne Wiest is great as “Annie”., the neighbor who has not left her home in over 20 years and goes to court to help SAM win back custody of Lucy. Laura Dern was also excellent in her role as “Randy”, the foster mother who wanted to adopt ... Read review

Advantages: Very evocative;; superb acting; wonderful story
Disadvantages: Ending is perhaps just a little too optomistic in today's society.

...story. For this reason alone I would say it is worth buying the soundtrack. The acting is superlative; Sean Penn perhaps gives us the best performance of his career and one that earns him an Oscar nomination. His portrayal of Sam shows us a combination of frustration and anger combined with a deep passion and love that transcends his inadequacies (or supposed inadequacies); his portrayal is simply perfect. Michelle Pfeiffer is also very good ... Read review

Advantages: Funny heartwarming film
Disadvantages: sad society we live in

I Am Sam is a film about a father with the mental age of a 7 year old. Sam (Sean Penn) works serving coffee at Starbucks, and has befriended and given a home to a homeless girl. When she falls pregnant Sam is over the moon, but when the girl gives birth to the child, the mother flees as they are leaving the hospital, all she wanted was a place to stay. Sam is a big Beatles fan and names the baby Lucy Diamond (Dakota Fanning). He arrives ... Read review

Advantages: Very thought provoking, feel good film
Disadvantages: Costs a fortune in tissues

I had fancied watching this film for ages but my husband didn't so we never got around to going to the cinema or renting it. So, when I saw it out on DVD I just had to buy it. Needless to say, I loved it and so did my husband. This film makes you cry buckets, laugh out loud and feel happy inside all at once. THE PLOT: Sam (Sean Penn) is a 'mentally challenged' man who lets an homeless girl stay with him. She ends up getting pregnant and when ... Read review

Advantages: Makes you take another look at how you treat people
Disadvantages: None that I can think about

This is a touching film. Not only does it address the question of whether a mentally handicapped person has the capability of raising their daughter, but also how they are percieved in society. The Acting: I must say, Sean Penn is not my favourite actor, and neither is Michelle Phiefer, but after watching this film my opinion has changed. Sean Penn in particular was outstanding! He captured the very heart and soul of his character Sam. The young ... Read review

Advantages: inspirational, quirky, very well acted
Disadvantages: A real teary movie, pass the tissues!

...ACTORS Sean Penn shows his excellence i this very demanding role, and carries off the character of Sam Dawson exceedingly well. You can really empathise with his character and the turmoil that the storyline presents. In some places I think he over acts the part, but the over all effect is not affected. Dakota Fanning plays a charming daughter,Lucy, again with her usual panache (for an eight year old anyway!) She plays a very innocent girl who ... Read review

Advantages: Brilliant acting, An emotional roller-coaster
Disadvantages: May run out of tissues

I am Sam is an absolutely amazing film!!! A real tearjeaker and an ideal dvd for those nights in with the girlies. I watched this film, starring Sean Penn and Michelle pfeiffer, the other week with a friend, and although very depressing and very sad in places, it is also full of amusing moments and happy times!!! Penn plays a mentally hanicapped father fighting for the right of custody of his seven year old daughter, played by Dakota Fanning, who ... Read review