Josh and S.A.M.: The Forgotten ’90s Kids Movie That Was Way Darker Than You Remember
Josh and S.A.M. is a lesser-known kids’ movie from 1993 that promised an exciting road trip adventure but ended up delivering a surprisingly serious story about two brothers coping with their parents’ divorce. Although the film was marketed as a fun, rebellious journey, it turned out to be much more emotional and somber than many viewers expected.
- What Josh and S.A.M. is about
- How the film was marketed vs. what it really is
- Plot highlights and key characters
- Box office performance and home media details
- Where you can watch Josh and S.A.M. today
The Movie’s Premise
Josh and S.A.M. tells the story of two young brothers, Josh (played by Jacob Tierney) and Sam (Noah Fleiss), who are struggling to deal with their parents’ divorce. After reaching their breaking point, the boys steal a car and set out on a cross-country journey to Canada. Their trip takes a turn when they meet Alison (Martha Plimpton), a drifter who joins their adventure. Along the way, Josh convinces Sam that he’s a “Strategically Altered Mutant” (S.A.M.), which leads to some dangerous and unpredictable situations.
Marketing vs. Reality
Back in 1993, trailers and teasers painted Josh and S.A.M. as a wild, rule-breaking adventure in the spirit of other early ‘90s hits like Home Alone and The Wizard. The trailers and this teaser promised a high-energy story about kids outsmarting adults and living out every child’s dream of total freedom.
However, the movie itself is far from a lighthearted romp. Instead, it explores heavy themes like family separation and the ways kids use imagination to cope with tough realities. For example, Sam’s belief that he’s a mutant on a mission is actually his way of dealing with his parents’ split.
Plot Highlights
Throughout their journey, Josh and Sam get into serious trouble, including stealing a car, running from the police, and even mistakenly thinking they’ve committed a crime. Sam’s fantasy about being a mutant causes him to take big risks, such as trying to drive a car at high speed. The story reaches a climax at the Canadian border, where Josh has to find a way to bring his brother back to reality without crushing his spirit.
There’s also a fun fact for movie buffs: a young Jake Gyllenhaal makes a brief appearance, playing one of Josh and Sam’s stepbrothers.
Box Office and Availability
Despite its unique story, Josh and S.A.M. was a box office flop, making just $1 million against an $18 million budget. The movie had a delayed release and didn’t get much attention from the cast or crew at its premiere. MGM, which currently holds the rights, has never released it on DVD or Blu-ray, so the only physical version is on VHS.
For those who want to revisit it, Josh and S.A.M. is available in standard definition on Prime Video for $14.99. Some fans have also uploaded upscaled versions to YouTube, including HD and 4K versions.
Final Thoughts
Josh and S.A.M. stands out as a movie that tried to sell a fantasy but ultimately tackled real-life issues. While it may not be as memorable as other kids’ films from 1993, it remains a unique piece of early ‘90s cinema that some viewers still remember today.
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