
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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Where to watch
I Am Sam Photos
Movie Info
"I Am Sam" is the compelling story of Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a mentally-challenged father raising his daughter Lucy (Dakota Fanning) with the help of a unique group of friends. As Lucy turns seven and begins to intellectually surpass her father, their close bond is threatened when their unconventional living arrangement comes to the attention of a social worker who wants Lucy placed in foster care.
Cast & Crew
Sean Penn
Sam Dawson
Sam Dawson
Michelle Pfeiffer
Rita
Rita
Dakota Fanning
Lucy
Lucy
Dianne Wiest
Annie
Annie
Loretta Devine
Margaret Calgrove
Margaret Calgrove
Richard Schiff
Turner
Turner
Critic Reviews for I Am Sam
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
-
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
-
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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