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.

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.

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 back10 out of 10