
I Am Sam
2001, Drama, 2h 12m
145 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Not only does the manipulative I Am Sam oversimplify a complex issue, it drowns it in treacle. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Sam Dawson
Rita
Lucy
Annie
Margaret Calgrove
Turner
Critic Reviews for I Am Sam
All Critics (145) | Top Critics (47) | Fresh (51) | Rotten (94)
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Moving film with great acting seems too contrived.
December 24, 2010 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
December 30, 2006 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
Sean Penn may be the most gifted actor of his generation.
June 19, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
Penn repeatedly hits the ball out of the park, but the rest of the team never gets past first base.
November 6, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review… -
Contradictory stew of anger, pain and crass commercialism.
August 8, 2002 -
It's a sensational performance, and [Penn] illumines a movie that sometimes seems in danger of descending into modish Hollywood political correctness.
July 20, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4
Audience Reviews for I Am Sam
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Oct 22, 2013Something to warm the hearts of audiences but ultimately this feels contrived. Penn appears to be apeing rather than becoming mentally disabled. At its worst, it actually causes us to alienate his character and hope that he doesn't end up with the kid after all.John B Super Reviewer
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May 28, 2012Sean Penn gives an excellent performance as a developmentally disabled man who needs to hire a lawyer to get custody of his daughter. Michelle Pfeiffer and Sean Penn do such a good job with their acting, that the audience will completely forget how unrealistic and far fetched the premise is.Bryan D Super Reviewer
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Jan 28, 2012I Am Sam presents great actings of the cast and bring a cute, confused and nice story. But the strong sentimentalism, don't save the film. Rotten.Lucas M Super Reviewer
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Jan 06, 2012Check it out. Dustin Hoffman, 'Rain Man,' look retarded, act retarded, not retarded. Counted toothpicks, cheated cards. Autistic, sho'. Not retarded. You know Tom Hanks, 'Forrest Gump.' Slow, yes. Retarded, maybe. Braces on his legs. But he charmed the pants off Nixon and won a ping-pong competition. That ain't retarded. He was a god damn war hero, do you know any retarded war hero's?Joe M Super Reviewer
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