I Am Sam parents guide

I Am Sam Parent Guide

Overall C

SAM DAWSON (SEAN PENN) LIVES with a moderate learning disability that prevents him from progressing past a job of clearing tables and sorting sugar packages at Starbucks. However, it doesn't stop him from fathering a child after the softhearted man offeres a homeless woman a place to sleep.

Release date December 27, 2001

Violence A-
Sexual Content B-
Profanity D+
Substance Use A-

Why is I Am Sam rated PG-13? The MPAA rated I Am Sam PG-13 for language

Run Time: 132 minutes

Parent Movie Review

I Am Sam (2001) - Official siteSAM DAWSON (SEAN PENN) LIVES with a moderate learning disability that prevents him from progressing past a job of clearing tables and sorting sugar packages at Starbucks. However, it doesn’t stop him from fathering a child after the softhearted man offeres a homeless woman a place to sleep. His obsession with everything Beatles results in the moniker Lucy Diamond Dawson (Dakota Fanning) for his infant daughter. With a little help from his friends (who have similar mental challenges) along with advice from a sweet middle-aged woman in another apartment, Sam manages to keep his daughter fed and clothed.

I Am Sam (2001) - Official site In a few movie minutes, little Lucy grows from infant to an intelligent, precocious girl, who faces ridicule from friends at school because of Dad’s childlike behaviors. With her mental capabilities passing Sam’s, Lucy becomes a ward of the courts after child welfare authorities decide he is an unfit father

Heartbroken, Sam manages to stumble into the opulent office of lawyer Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer). Her immediate aversion to working with Sam is tempered after facing criticism from colleagues for her reluctance to help someone for free. However, as this over-achieving mother deals with her pro bono client, she discovers some valuable lessons, allowing her to put her whole heart into Sam’s defense.

I Am Sam (2001) - Official siteAn obvious plea to audiences to reconsider the rights of mentally challenged individuals, I Am Sam’s arguments and performances often fall short of convincing. Certainly Penn’s character consistently portrays his capacity to love, but the script allows the fictitious Sam moments of incredible insight at the most convenient times. Conversely, Pfeiffer’s forced and unbelievable portrayal of what is supposed to be a successful family law attorney, leaves her babbling lines of stupidity at the most ridiculous times.

But performances, audience manipulation, and profanities aside, watching over two hours of cinema shot on a hand held camera left me a shade similar to the oft-repeated allegorical readings of Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham. Hardly a film your children will be begging to see, I Am Sam’s filmmaking disabilities handicap the premise.

Starring Sean Penn, Dakota Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer. Running time: 132 minutes. Theatrical release December 27, 2001. Updated

I Am Sam Parents' Guide

How can fictitious movies with constructed characters like Sam work to convince audiences to believe an argument? How does knowing screenwriter and director (in this case, the same person) are in complete control of a character like Sam effect your perception of the story? How do you feel about Sam’s desire to raise his daughter? The movie claims, “All you need is love” to be a parent. Do you think there are any other essential qualities required for raising a child?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of I Am Sam movie is June 17, 2002. Here are some details…

Related home video titles:

Mental abilities and disabilities are explored in the movies K-PAX, A Beautiful Mind, and Lost In Yonkers.