I Am the Cheese

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.

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

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...

It was good, but kind of confusing. I haven't read the book though so maybe that has something to do with it.

I read the book in junior high in the 80s and first watched the movie in the 90s while working at a video store. I recently rewatched the movie a few times and still enjoy it. Thoughtful musical score, great scenery, well-acted especially by Robert MacNaughton whose portrayal of loneliness and desperation is outstanding. Yes, it could have benefited from a larger budget (think Running on Empty) but it still works and the lower budget helps capture the bleakness in Adam's life. Not for those looking for a slick Hollywood production but if you enjoy an honest little production made with love you will like it.