If you've seen the "mainstream" critics' reviews of "I Am Sam", you probably know that they're mixed at best. All I can say is, please read my review of "Gosford Park". That should make it clear how little respect I have for these so-called critics.
I loved this movie! Sean Penn is nothing short of phenomenal in his portrayal of Sam Dawson, a mentally handicapped man trying to maintain custody of his daughter, despite all odds. You'll hear many comparisons to Dustin Hoffman in "Rain Man", but let me say that I watched part of "Rain Man" on TV tonight (wasn't that convenient), and I have to give the nod to Sean Penn as far as believability. This was an utterly fantastic performance.
I didn't think it was overly sappy at all, but it was emotionally trying at times. Sappiness is usually my biggest gripe with dramas, but I can't remember once groaning about some cheesy line or unnecessarily melodramatic situation. What I do remember is laughing, a lot! Sam and his friends will make you laugh, very hard at times, but it's never at the expense of their handicap. And who is this little girl, and where can I get one? Dakota Fanning is an absolute angel, and she gives a great performance as Sam's loving and precocious daughter Lucy.
The Beatles references throughout the movie are cool, and I even liked the all-cover soundtrack. If you're a Beatles fan, I'd bet you'll like this soundtrack…I did. I heard it a couple weeks before the movie came out and I liked every cover, which is rare for me. I assume they used all covers since it would've cost a fortune to buy the right to use so many, but you never missed hearing Paul or John (or Ringo, if anyone ever did!).
There are certain things I didn't like, the stereotypical dysfunctional marriage/family of Michelle Pfeiffer, the ridiculous amount of product placement (Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Sweet 'N Low, etc., etc.), and the not-always-believable or plausible life of Sam. He has the intellect of a seven year old, but takes the bus all over the city, holds down multiple jobs, and takes care of a daughter? OK…
However, it wasn't hard for me to look past these not so minor problems as I laughed, and smiled and cheered for Sam. If you're not made of stone, I bet you will too. |
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