I Am Sam is a glorified TV movie.

The newest of the Oscar hopefuls, I Am Sam chronicles the struggles and triumphs of Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a man with the intellectual capacity of a seven-year-old.

Sam isn't just any disabled man though — he's also a single parent to charming seven-year-old Lucy (Dakota Fanning).

When the authorities step in and try to separate the unusual father/daughter duo, a very un-John-Grisham-esque legal battle ensues, with fast talking lawyer Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer) representing simple-minded, big-hearted Sam.

Despite it gaggle of stereotypical characters, its saccharine sweetness, and its ooey, gooey clichéd "good messages," I Am Sam effectively accomplishes its goal of proving that "all you need is love."

Quality performances compensate for the weak and predictable script. Penn made me forget that he is the studly ex-Mr. Madonna with his intensely accurate and endearing portrayal of Sam, for which he has received his second Oscar nomination. And Fanning's Lucy was stunning and inspiring.

Almost as dizzying as the spectacular acting were the shaky camera movements. The camera spun and trembled, representing Sam's incoherent perception of the world. While initially captivating, Sam's disjointed view became queasiness inducing.

I Am Sam manipulates its audience with all the usual movie-of-the-week tearjerkers, ensuring that all will leave the theater with uplifted spirits and fistfuls of soggy tissues.

— Reviewed by Caralyn Green