It feels kind of weird to see someone act on screen as if they have a disability. At times, though I have no debilitating conditions of my own, I still feel a bit uncomfortable with certain movie roles, specifically Cuba Gooding Jr. in "Radio." It's strange to me and seems almost like a mockery of those who actually do struggle with such things as mental retardation.
With that said, "I Am Sam" is different to me. Though Sean Penn is not really mentally challenged, this movie was brilliantly put together, and in a way that does not show the disability in a humorous manner. Perhaps movies like "Scary Movie 2" or television programs such as "Mind of Mencia" more often show disabilities in a less flattering light. However, perhaps they're also right in saying that a sense of humor is necessary in dealing with anything, whether good or bad, and that those with incapabilities deserve to be a punchline just like any other group of people in society.
Anyway, "I Am Sam" is more along the lines of something like "Forrest Gump," with a good bit of light humor, but also a strong sense of conscience and a valuable message. Aside from the fact that the cast includes some actual people with down syndrome, in this movie Sean Penn is just playing the role of a man who happens to be mentally challenged, not the stereotype of such a person. I really loved this movie.
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