User reviews

After reading several reviews for this film being not only slow, dull, confusing, and bad, I felt obligated to review it myself. To be fair, the movie is slow, dull and confusing but it is not bad. Especially for 1983, I Am the Cheese is a good story that keeps its audience guessing to what is actually happening to the story's main character. Along wtih the movie's plot, the cast as well as the setting for thid story are all equally important to its theme. In many ways, the setting of rural Vermont is as long and dull as its cast. The pacing of the movie is deliberate. Not to bore its audience but to showcase how lost the main chracter is. This is beyond evident with the long takes of endless bicycle scenes that go on way too long. The point the movie is bringing to its audience is like a mouse through the maze, the Cheese is the one who is lost. Yes this can be a boring movie, but its the context of the movie that you need to consider. Not the right movie for everyone, but for those who read the book should be obligated to view it at least once.

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

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.

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.

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...

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

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.

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.

The film I Am The Cheese is my absolute least favorite movie. It is bewildering and does not entice the audience one bit. I have no idea why any of the actresses or actors featured in the movie chose to involve themselves in such a terrible project. I don't recommend watching this film at all, for it is a complete waste of your time.

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.

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