MovieChat Forums > I Am Sam (2002) Discussion > What a load of manipulative rubbish

What a load of manipulative rubbish

posted 21 years ago by anxietyresister
129 replies | jump to latest

By the end of this movie I was so moved I wanted to throw up. I know we live in politically correct times but please, A 7 year old girl needs more than a mentally retarded man and his similarly disabled friends to look after her, but of course anyone who wants the best for the girl in his film's world is painted as "bad" with horns and a pitchfork. I felt sorry for that poor foster mother played by Laura Dern, who surely could have done a better job. In the courtroom scene at the end, I bet there was plenty of cracking up between takes with the mawkish dialogue everybody had to utter. This film is so out of touch with reality. And as for Penn's acting, well it was more of an impression than a performance, and thank God he didn't win the Oscar. "Sam" isn't a person, hes a multi-corporate made up of bits from other movies of what Hollywood thinks handicapped people behave like, from Rain Man to My Left Foot. That's it, I'm off to watch something decent, like Ghost World. Now that's a movie, not a cliche-ridden disaster like this sentimental garbage.

[–] anxietyresister 21 years ago

See my brilliantly witty and well thought out post below for an explanation, weirdo. That is if you can read. If not, I'll let you get back to your Teletubby and Fireman Sam videos while your mummy recites it for Diddums. Don't worry, I'll tell her to go real slow for you, breaking down every complicated word into short, easily managable syllables. It must be hard, still having trouble with Spot The Dog books at your age. Do the bigger boys bully you in the office? I'll let you go now, I think it's time for your hourly change and we don't want to smell all whiffy for our din-dins now do we?!

[–] bebravetonight 20 years ago

I think Sam could have made a good father. He got through the infant years, when a child can't take care of themself at ALL and, in my mind, would probably be the most difficult life period for him to care for. Not every parent can help a child with their homework; that doesn't mean they aren't able to care for their kid. A single father may have just a hard time as "Sam" would have explaianing to his daughter about the changes she's going through-it's awkward for anybody, especially the man of the house! I'm not attacking you, just addressing some of the issues made in the movie.

Not to mention, I doubt that his lawyer (her name escapes me at the moment) just vanished out of his life. The ending was sort of open-ended, and I think it's possible that they could have ended up together?

(I wish I could define) all these thoughts that CROSS MY MIND

[–] 20 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Aggressive_Spikey_Lizard 20 years ago

anxietyresister, go fcuk yourself!

[–] anxietyresister 20 years ago

Spiky Lizard, out of all the (many) plebs, morons, idiots, imbeciles, simpletons, fools, nitwits, ignoramuses, airheads, losers etc. that have polluted this once promising thread, you are by far the most pathetic waste of oxygen here. Which is no mean feat let me assure you. Rather than form a cogent argument or come up with some creative insults you have decided to.. recommend that I go out and buy some designer clothes. It's very nice of you to care about my dress sense, but my wardrobe is full enough as it is and I was never really a big fan of "French Connection". And if you can't understand that gag, and throw some more retarded name-calling in my direction, you'll show yourself to be even more of a sad case than I thought. So go on, knock yourself out..!!

[–] falling_star_123 20 years ago

stupid ass! This movie got four stars! Why the hell do you think you picked the name "anxietyresister"? You have no feelings whatsoever!

[–] anxietyresister 20 years ago

O.K you raise four very interesting points there. I shall endeavor to answer them NICE and SLOW, so your underdeveloped cranium can absorb the replies while you form a puddle of dribble on the floor and the nurse fetches your medication. Here we go..

1. Of course my ass is stupid. It lets itself gets sit on all day, and it's only other use is to dispose of waste products. I'd say anything landed with such thankless tasks was pretty damn stupid. Still, I guarantee it has an I.Q that you can only dream of.

2. It got four stars? From who? Your five year old SISTER? I make my own opinions on films thank you. Kindly give me a link to this auspicious critic, I could do with a laff. Is he/she your bunkmate in your padded cell?

3. I pick the name "anxietyresister" because erm.. and this may be a stretch but.. I'm good at resisting anxieties?! What, did you think it was because I was an ice-cream maker or something?! Still, I bet your parents wish they were as good at resisting anxieties as I am. They probably worry about your stunted mental development and your constant bed-wetting at night all the time..

4. I wouldn't know anything about that, I just state my views and to hell with anyone else. What is it like to have no feeling from the neck upwards??

I'd like to talk more, but Mummy says it's time for you to go to bed, and it takes her a while to put you into your diaper. If only you wouldn't struggle so. Anyway, I'm off to hang with some grown-ups. Catch you later, sweetie! :)

[–] 20 years ago

[deleted]

[–] joonjee88 17 years ago

hear, hear!

[–] puffjonesforpresident 19 years ago

manipulative rubbish? At the end of the film the foster mom gives Lucy back realizing that for as much as she thought she knew what was best for Lucy, Lucy
all along knew what was best for herself; her fathers Love in her life. Unfortunately kids see things that we don't see as adults, because we can't anymore..this is one of those things and it turns out what Lucy had been trying to tell everyone from the begining was the right thing.

P.S- Sam himself admitted he needed a support system to help beyond himself, he was willing to admit it and between His lawyer, Annie, his friends, and the would be adoptive parents he found that. Open your eyes man

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] anxietyresister 19 years ago

Wow, here I am checking over some of my old messages, and people are STILL wondering where I am. I don't know whether to be flattered or disturbed. Yep, I'm still active on these message boards, defending the good and bashing the bad.. and they don't come much badder than 'I Am Sam'. Yup, I still think this film sucks eggs, and I'm proud that this thread (which remains my longest ever) has provoked such healthy debate(!) If anyone else wants to contribute, feel free.. can we make it to 100?

P.S Message to the weirdo who has a crush on Rufus Wainwright: he wants you to stop phoning him, stop following him to the gym every day and stop making kissy faces outside his apartment at 5 in the morning. It's over. Let it go. You're making a total ass of yourself.. ;)

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] anxietyresister 19 years ago

Wow, you're absolutely right. I turned 12 just last week. Shame you're still too young to play with me, though. And you shouldn't wander off from your mommy, especially when she's gone to the trouble of preparing a bottle of lovely gripe water just for you. Off you go back to her, you naughty little munchkin! SUCK SUCK!

EDIT: 19 left now..

[–] sillyoskar 19 years ago

Ooooooh yeah! tell it like it is brother! Screw this sentimental crap, which was probably financed by Klenex. This movie has no integrity, Starbucks, i mean come on? And as for Sean Penn, he sucks too. i used to think all his characters were meant to be annoying, until i realised thats just Sean Penn.