Sam (Sean Penn), a mentally challenged Starbucks employee (I know, they all seem mentally challenged at times), strikes up an imprudent relationship with a homeless woman results an unwanted pregnancy.
The woman gives birth to a girl, who Sam names Lucy after the Beatles’ trippy ode, “”Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,”” but the mother runs, choosing freedom over responsibility to either the father or the child.Over the years, Lucy (Dakota Fanning) matures, though we see that when she begins to pass her father mentally, she holds herself back for fear of disrupting the simplified life they’ve established. Officials from Lucy’s school realize what’s happening, so they intervene. Sam’s ability to raise a child is questioned, with no legitimate answers given. And when a social worker (Loretta Devine) conveniently crashes Lucy’s surprise party just in time to see Sam scuffle with a belligerent father, the courts step in and take Lucy away. Jessie Nelson’s custody-battle drama “”I Am Sam”” solicits a range of emotions, some genuine and some genuinely fake. Nelson’s intentions are evident, though the methods by which she achieves them can often be considered pious and manipulative. The result is a flawed gem that will have you wiping your eyes one minute and rolling them the next.The film’s problems begin and end with Michelle Pfeiffer’s character, an unfortunate mesh of stereotypical dilemmas established simply so they can be ironed out by her coincidental interactions with a mentally retarded character. What, Sam’s uphill battle to reclaim his daughter wasn’t dramatic enough that the filmmakers needed to mix in the salvation of a shrill, soulless defense lawyer as well? Through no fault of Pfeiffer, who tries hard with what she’s given, her attorney’s conversion lacks empathy. Which returns us to Sam and Lucy, the true focal point of the film and a showcase of immense talent and emotional chemistry. Penn’s towering performance as Sam bolsters the film’s highs, and his connection with Fanning is palpable. Their shared scenes are gut-wrenching, their forged bond sincere. Final Grade: B-THE EXTRASPart of New Line’s “Platinum Series,” the “Sam” DVD contains several engaging features that compliment the complicated film. Director Nelson contributes a screen-specific audio commentary, and there are seven deleted scenes to enjoy.The DVD also includes one featurette, entitled “Becoming Sam.” It’s an original for the disc, and loaded with interviews, insights a praises that occasionally appear self-indulgent and congratulatory. Of note, the musicians who contribute to the film’s soundtrack also offer their opinions, which is unique from people not named John Williams or James Horner.Finally, the standard press kit and trailers are included.Grade: B+OVERALL EXPERIENCE: B+When pulled from the big screen and aired on the more intimate (read: small) atmosphere of your living room, “Sam” rings a bit more true. New Line honors its film with this release, and fans will want to pick it up for their collection.By Sean O’ConnellJune 19, 2002