I Am (2010)

Released in 2010 and written/directed by John Ward, "I AM" is an inspirational drama centering around a several interconnecting people in the Los Angeles area who violate the Ten Commandments one way or another. While "I AM" starts out convoluted and confusing with too many characters -- too many of them unlikable -- and not enough focus on any one of them, around the midway point I GOT it. I GOT what the writer/director was doing and my initial irritation morphed into respect. I was struck by the uniqueness of the film, particularly a movie with Christian themes. The quality actors, albeit no-name, pull off the difficult material, especially Tomas Boykin's monumentally challenging role as the titular character. Sure, the idea was taken from 2003's "Bruce Almighty," but that was a comedy. It's much harder to pull off such a role in a serious drama. In addition, the cinematography, editing, poignant script and choice songs on the soundtrack worked together to produce a unique and moving film with gems to mine on future viewings. On that note, "I AM" ain't' just another Christian drama. The non-linear story is told in a gritty, kinetic manner and offers fascinating insights into the nature of God, dismantling the damaging stereotypes thereof. The conversations with the LORD you observe the characters participate in are obviously not literal, but they're well done and absolutely relatable to real life. We all have such "conversations," whether we are willing to admit it or not. These dialogues are more typically inward, where you converse with your higher nature -- your spirit, conscious or (as Freud called it) the super-ego. We either defend our negative, destructive thoughts & actions or we change for the positive in response to the voice of God via our spirit or conscience. Here's an example from my own life: Several years ago I was stuck in a dead-end job that I had for a dozen years and I'd walk down the halls hearing a 'voice' within telling me over and over: "You're wasting time!" I just KNEW I was supposed to get out and take a leap of faith in order to fulfill my true calling. So that's what I did and I've been exponentially blessed because of it, which is not to say that everything's been peaches 'n' cream; far from it, in fact.When the movie came to the part about keeping the Sabbath I was expecting the writer to espouse the same old eye-rolling religious clichés, but I was pleasantly surprised that he got it right. Excellent job on this front. Three of the standout songs on the aforementioned soundtrack are "I Am" by Jesica Specht and "Facedown" and "Save Yourself" by Sandfrog. Check 'em out on Youtube. If you watched this movie and didn't like it I encourage you to give it another try.The film runs 89 minutes and was shot in the Los Angeles area. GRADE: B

As some one who does not go to or belong to a church I was mostly watching this movie as a movie and not for some kind of message confirmation. That said the movie is OK. There are no special effects, CG, nudity, graphic violence, satanic rituals, gore or glorification of illegal drugs. So anyone wanting a regular studio movie is bound to be disappointed.That said the acting, camera work, soundtrack and script are a step above a made for TV or two steps above a S2V production, surprisingly good really. I admit my expectations were exceedingly low so any show of promise was rewarding. Was the acting high quality? No. Was it good quality? Yes. Better than most movies coming out these days really. The same could go for most of the rest. The soundtrack while I think nearly all Christian Rock (not really familiar) was actually very good and the producers should be commended for that.As some have noted the movie is packed full of clichés. Not quite American Pie III clichés but the movie is based on the Ten Commandments and they have been around for a while so this should not come as a surprise to anyone. The Morgan Freeman cliché character was over the top disappointing in that he was such a direct theft that were movie a hit I would wonder about infringements.I did find it disappointing that many people would likely find the characters not genuine. I tend to agree to a point. Not because such people do not exist but because they are so rare. It is difficult to find people anywhere who decide to turn their lives around in a meaningful way and take large apparently sincere steps to go about it. Having so many in one film is badly overdone. The movie would likely have been much more believable had some of the characters had more likely outcomes in their story lines.All in all middle of the road movie with a few good points.

I saw this movie this weekend and I can honestly say that he is a very positive message. Do not think that this is merely a religious film, it's beyond that. If there is a way that I believe in God, this is how the film represents. This movie is not for anyone. You need to be open minded and focused. Despite the theme, I'm not a religious guy, but this movie made me see the things in a different way. Tomas Boykin had a very good work and I can't imagine other actor on his place. This movie will gave another idea of god, even if you are not religious. Sincerily, it's the one of the best movies that I saw in the last months.Give a chance and you will regret.

This movie has so many flaws. The characters are not developed and seem to be just a bunch of clichés. Every character's background can be summed up in one short sentence, like "woman who will do whatever it takes." Moreover, their actions are random and completely inconsistent at times. A guy says he only cares about himself one moment and then helps out a detective for no reason the next.The premise of the movie is also ridiculous. Throughout the movie, God interacts with the characters and resolves their problems. But if God was speaking to all of us, I doubt there would any of the problems faced by current society or the people in this movie (e.g., wars, crime, etc.). So, the movie tries to blend reality with fantasy in a blatantly impossible way and hopes no one will notice.However, the main flaw is that this movie is told rather than shown. It consists mainly of scenes where people talk about what they did rather than showing what they did. Although this approach works great in a written story, it is unbearably boring to watch. It's like the cast sat down and talked about what they would act out instead of really acting it out.Overall, this feels like an attempt to turn a sermon into a movie. I would not recommend this movie to anyone.