Josh and S.A.M. is a 1993 American road comedy-drama film produced by Martin Brest, directed by Billy Weber, and starring Noah Fleiss (in his film debut), Jacob Tierney, Joan Allen, Stephen Tobolowsky, Chris Penn, and Martha Plimpton.
It's about two young brothers who run away from home due to emotional conflict over the divorce of their parents.
This film provides examples of:
- All of the Other Reindeer: At the beginning of the movie, Sam's classmates are calling him names such as 'alien' when it is his turn to kick for kickball.
- Captain Obvious: When Josh gets into the driver's seat of Derek Baxter's rental car, Sam states that Canada is north.
- Dysfunctional Family: Josh seems to think so, given the fact that his father is remarried and has stepchildren and his mother is pursuing a Frenchman.
- Fun with Acronyms: Josh convinces Sam that he is actually a "Strategically Altered Mutant" who was created by the government to fight in an African war.
- Shout-Out: Josh's theory that "Killer S.A.M.s" need to seek refuge in Canada is based loosely on Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.
- Would Hurt a Child: Once Josh's lie is revealed, Derek Baxter snaps and tries to kill him.
- Your Mind Makes It Real: When Josh describes "The Liberty Maid" character (off a juice carton, nonetheless) to Sam. When they actually do meet her later on in the film, Josh tells her she meets his description. Her response is "Lord Almighty, I've met my maker!"
