I Am the Cheese (1983) Online

I'll admit that this movie, which was based on Robert Cormier's young adult novel, must have been difficult to make. The novel jumped through many time frames and had many scenes which would have been difficult to capture on film. But it simply lacks the subtle horror of the book, and the low budget really shows. Also, why change the ending? The ending of the novel might have been bleaker, but in the movie the ending left many questions unanswered.

This movie gets confusing, but once you make sense of it you will like it even better. That's part of the fun. It was based on the book of the same name, and follows it pretty faithfully. The story involves a kid who is confined to a psychiatric ward. He is apparently having delusions and is confused about what is real and what isn't. (Can anyone say, "A Beautiful Mind?")He has two birth certificates, his parents are dead, and he has to sort thru his memories to decide what is real. Confused yet? It will all make sense at the end when you see it. I will not give anything else away.

*** out of ****

The people who made I Am The Cheese disregarded the atmosphere of the original novel. The movie is bright and cheery. The interrogation scenes take place in a well-lit, normal-looking office. The doctor is basically nonthreatening. The drama of Adam's situation is underplayed and subdued, and the movie insults the book by adding an ending that fits the movie's sanitized view of the story. A new version of this film would be really cool, if any studio had the initiative to take on the project. Since the cast is so small and the story requires little in the way of special effects, an independent production could work out very well. Today's audiences would probably react well to a version of I Am The Cheese that stays true to the style of the book -- dark, threatening, and mysterious. It's a shame nobody's bothered to dig up the rights.

About the only people who will have any appreciation for this movie are homesick Vermonters...I grew up riding my bike on the same roads as Adam, so it was a hoot to see Marshfield & Barre from back in the day. It was even better to hear the gold-domed State Capitol Building described as a "court house." Don't bother renting this film- it's truly awful. And the ending sucks. I don't understand why it was ever released on DVD...maybe it was an attempt to capitalize on the study hall market- bored kids watching the movie because they can't be bothered to crack open the book...Why on earth Robert Wagner chose to get involved with such a lame project is beyond me...

Why did they even bother? This film is based on a book that falls into the general category of "nothing is at it seems to be." The film, possibly due to its complete lack of pacing, never gives the viewer the feeling it seems to be anything coherent. There is no dramatic tension for anyone that hasn't read the book. Which is a waste given the talented cast.

But ultimately, the film's biggest sin is the ending (SPOILER). The book's payoff is the horror that reveals itself bit by bit -- culminating in the revelation that Adam is doomed. The changed ending (that some would consider "happy") denigrates this film to a fourth rate movie of the week.

the title says it all, "I am the Cheese". This movie is nothing but cheesy.

The movie makes no sense at all for those who haven't read the book, it makes a little sense to those who have read the book.

The acting is terrible, the character lacked charisma it's almost like they are reading from a script.

And last of all, the movie is boring, they are good boring movies like " lost in Translation" etc. This movie is everything you don't want you movie to be.

Anyway, DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE. It's the ultimate embarrassment if anyone catch you watching this. The book is a worth read but STAY AWAY FORM THIS

I hate to say it, but this movie is possibly the worst movie I have ever seen. If I hadn't read the book and done an in depth analysis for school on the book, I would have not had a clue what was going on. Not only was the acting dry and the dialogue weak at best, the score was terrible, and the ending made no sense. This movie really did not do the book justice. The low budget showed, and it lacked the certain something that Robert Cormier's books have. Adam Farmer's character was played so dryly that half the time, I had no idea what was going on, and what scene they were butchering. Dr. Brint was not...Dr. Brint-ish, and the ending threw me off completely. Call me dumb, but the only acting I thought was decent was on the part of Edna. "He's taking something, I think he's on drugs!!" Teehee. Avoid this movie at all costs, and don't ignore people's warnings on how truly awful this is.

While not a perfect film, it had a lot of film elements that came together quite nicely. The spoiler of this *** AND DON'T READ ON IF YOU WANT TO ENJOY THE TWIST *** is how much the subject matter was similar to A Beautiful Mind. Creating people, places and events all in the subconscious. The Vermont locations were fabulous. I don't think had this film been made elsewhere, there wouldn't have been that solitude of a young man, his bike and a mysterious wrapped gift he's taking to his father. Scenes with town folk and some local bullies may have been slight plot devices, but that is entirely miniscule compared to how they move the story along. I Am The Cheese (a metaphor title-listen to The Farmer In The Dell nursery rhyme throughout the film) has an independent feel to it and it's obvious low budget gives it a "you-are-there-on-those-old-roads-in-Vermont" feel. I'm curious to know why Robert Wagner, fresh from his successful "Hart To Hart" series, took on this film.

Not only did this movie have bad acting. But yet it was boring. I read the book in school and found the book really interesting and good. But this...goodness they tried to change some things...they changed the ending. i give this movie sadly... 3 out of 10... and least they tried.

this was an outstanding film with some very funny moments. it was one of the classic films of the eighties and i'm suprised that no one else has reviewed this classic tale.

this film is a must for all the families so rush out and rent it now. you wont want to take it back

10 out of 10

The movie's title and DVD cover kept catching my attention at the movie store. I finally rented it and was not disappointed. I watched it without having heard about the book or anything so I went in unbiased. On its own, I'd say it was quite intriguing. It kept you guessing... even after it ended. The ending was rather unclear, but fascinating and puzzling in a good way. I'd say, if you have read the book, don't spoil the movie for somebody else because you did not think the movie gave the book justice. Just judge the movie on its own. Sure it was low budget, but just appreciate it for its good points--the intriguing plot, the beautiful scenery, and the intense emotion. Over all, I would recommend this movie to anyone who is able to branch out and be adventurous. Just watch it and see if you like it. Judge for yourself.

First I must admit that I could not sit through the entire film. After only 30 minutes, I realized that none of the characters from the book were in the film, just card board cut-outs. They took a nervous and fearful Adam and made him a smiling and waving awkward kid. Heck, Amy wasn't even a tomboy. They butchered the atmosphere as well, no suspense or sense of foreboding. So I shipped to the end and guess what, they butchered the ending too.

Read the book, it has awesome characters and a story that builds and keeps you thinking and an ending worth talking about. As for the movie, shame on everyone involved in its making and shame on you if you watch it after reading this.