It’s hard to describe a movie that leaves you feeling sad and happy at the same time. “I AM SAM” did just that to me.

SEAN PENN, plays Sam Dawson, a developementally disabled person. (Referred to in the movie as retarded). Sam lives alone in his own apartment, , has a job busing tables at Starbuck’s, and has many friends. Most of whom are either mentally or physically disabled. Because he is a kind and gentle person, Sam befriended a homeless woman and together they made a baby. When this baby is born, the mother flees, leaving Sam to raise this girl, Lucy, (Dakota Fanning) alone.

Sam has got the IQ of a 7 year old. He can read at this level and his greatest joy is reading “GREEN EGGS AND HAM” to his daughter. When Lucy turns 7, their problems seem to escalate. Teachers call Sam to school and tell him in so many words that his handicap is holding back Lucy’s learning skills because she wants to be like him. Friends begin making “fun” of Sam, and Lucy runs away from her 7th birthday party. When the police find her, they contact child services, and they put her in foster care and thus begins Sam fight to get back custody of the child he loves so much.

Michelle Pfeiffer portrays Rita Harrison , the high-powered Century City attorney who Sam and his friends chose from the Yellow Pages because she has a large ad. Sam is willing to pay and continues to try to convince her to take his case, but Rita wants no part of this until she is embarrassed before friends and takes on the case “pro-bono”. This leads her into a journey and relationship she never expected. SAM senses her sadness regarding her husband and son and gives her intelligent and practical advice.

SEAN PENN, who always plays the bad, deranged person does a fantastic job portraying SAM. If anyone deserves an award for their performance, he definitely does. From the gentleness of his nature, his physical afflictions, his naivenes to his sense of right and wrong, his innocence and his despair, PENN captures all. His frustration brings tears to your eyes and his joy and laughter brings laughter to you. SAM’s determination to show the courts that he is willing and able to care for his daughter under constant adversity and her love for him and desire to be with him portray a bond created out of love.

It is so uplifting the see SAM and his friends portrayed as functioning adults. It gives new insight in the emotions of these disabled adults and shows that they are capable of many things that most of 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 Lucy unti she realized Sam’s love for his daughter and her love for him.

The film has one or two slow parts. This is not a great movie, but Sean Penn’s acting is great. This is a very, very good movie and is one that should be seen by young and old alike. It is a feel good movie, but also a tearjerker.

When I left the theater and went into the ladies room, I know which women has seen the movie also. The ones with the tears in their eyes.


Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12