Reign Over Me
Consumed with grief after losing his family in the World Trade Center attacks, a widower (Adam Sandler) seeks help from his former college roommate (Don Cheadle), who's now a dentist. Mike Binder (The Upside of Anger) directs this thought-provoking look at friendship and post-Sept. 11 society in New York City, co-starring Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrows and Jada Pinkett Smith.
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» Reviewed by 10 people
I'll be blunt. I dislike Adam Sandler in almost everything. I rented this movie in spite of the fact that he was in it... and I was taken completely off guard by his performance in this film. His performance was beautiful and touching, and I was deeply moved. By. Adam. Sandler. Definitely worth renting.- Tehanna
The plot summary posted here is slightly wrong. Charlie (Adam Sandler) doesn't seek help from his friend (Don Cheadle), he simply seeks friendship and Alan (Don Cheadle) is a DENTIST, NOT a psychiatrist who feels sympathy for his friend and seeks to help him even though that help isn't well-received by Charlie. It's a very different role than what Adam Sandler usually play with his sophomoric physical humor and he gave what I would consider to be a near Oscar-worthy performance, good for at least a nomination if not a win. I only gave this film 3 stars because while I found it enjoyable and worth watching it lacked the substance to make it a truly unforgettable film.
- RaisedByWolves
Adam Sandler takes a surprising turn towards the somber in this contemplative drama about friendship between two people who, though they have little in common, have a lot to learn from each other. Sandler's performance is beautiful, while we're left wanting something more from Cheadle, who never really makes it apparent that he's getting something out of the friendship too. There's also an unfortunately underdeveloped storyline about the unhappy stagnation and boredom in Cheadle's marriage. Jada Pinkett Smith should have been given more meat than the embittered housewife who won't let her husband breathe. The resolution of this story arc ends in a way so frustrating, you're left asking, "Is that it?" Overall though, it's a thoughful film that deserves a spot on your queue.
- Lumpster82
Man, I really wanted to give this 4 stars. I initially thought it was just a little worse than "Stranger Than Fiction," another SNL-alum's dramatic turn. But as my mind dwells more and more, I can't force myself to do it. There are too many little things that are either wrong, unnecessary, or insane. Don Cheadle plays Alan, a dentist who seems to have it all: a good practice, loving family, etc. Yet he still feels unfulfilled and trapped in suburban jail. He one day meets his old roomie, Charlie, who has fallen into a pit of post-traumatic stress disorder and messy hair after his entire family perishes in 9/11. Neither can communicate properly; it's just that one can fix this with an hour of watching Oprah but the other needs years of therapy. They both try to find their way and in the end it appears that the answers lie in *shock!* their newly rekindled relationship with each other. There are tons of things that don't work in this movie and thus make it incoherent: 1) The cinematography makes it very clear with expansive beatiful backgrounds that you're in NYC, yet never explicitly mentions 9/11. The need to bludgeon us with one thing and pussyfoot around the other never benefits and only confuses. 2) The main women in this movie are way too attractive. It's just odd. A beautiful wife? Fine. A gorgeous shrink? You're stretching it. Now a supermodel as a possible love interest? Unnecesary. 3) The infidelity with the supermodel was just plainly not needed. She's nice eye candy but does not add to the story. This script could use some retooling. However, it's a good film because of Cheadle and Sandler. Their times together are very well-acted, both playing understated desperation with their lives as well as truly seem to enjoy each other's company. You should see this film, but first see "Stranger Than Fiction".
- Dan the Karateka
Amazing...Incredibly Moving...A MUST See. If there was any doubt about Adam Sandler's acting abilities this movie answers that question. Standler is AMAZING in this film. A different side I have never thought possible to see in him as an actor. This movie is about a man who lost his ENTIRE family in one of the planes that hit the towers on 9/11. Difficult to watch at time due to the raw emotions expressed and felt. A man forced to deal with reality that his family is gone. This brings a more surreal look at what most people are going through even still in the aftermath of this horrendous tragedy. I recommend this to anyone who truly would want to scratch the surface of what it must be like to loose someone close without warning. Make sure you have plenty of tissues and maybe even a shoulder to cry on.
- *~*Sullivans*~*
I am not a fan of Adam Sandler, but saw the preview of this movie and wondered if the story could be pulled off my Don Cheadle, whom I like and respect. The movie was better than I anticipated, with emotions culminating in the final act. I went from not caring for Sandlers character, a grieving young man, to caring quite a lot. The Saffron Burrows character, as the loose woman, didnt work for me and wasnt necessary. Liv Tyler, as the young psychiatrist, played Liv Tyler - lowkey and quiet. Don Cheadle was excellent as the loyal friend. Sandler was fine. Overall, the movie moved along at a fairly even pace and was entertaining. 10-17-08
- Southern Belle 1
Not sure where to begin in naming all the things I liked about this movie. First, I think the story line is refreshing, seems an accurate portrayal of what PTSD can do to a person, and we have two examples of how different those experiences can be. The movie also intertwines wonderful imagings of what true friendship and love can do, how it can heal. This is an orginal storyline that shows how we each need each other; the healer and the healed are beautifully intwined. Another thing I loved was the humor that seemed about right to me. Moments in every day life are funny, and the movie portrays a couple of twin moments that are both pathetic and hilarious at the same time. Just like in real life, the small miscommunications that are inevitable, are often funny. One example is the million dollar scene, which was one such gem. And an important moment in the movie. I mean someone opens the possibility that you could obtain a million dollars and no blinking you turn it down flat as perposperous, set up against the single minded lawyer, so adament in his resolve, no thought of compassion, (he didn't even hear Cheadle there) was perfect. Lots of moments like that. Lots of pain and sadness, yes. But ultimate belief in the goodness of friendship and love. Music was uplifting in its cacaphonous way. I could go on and on. Ha! I feel like I'm gushing. Guess you can tell I really like this film. Five stars, no reservations.
- VJ Purplequeen
In Reign Over Me (2007), Adam Sandler stars as Charlie Fineman, a man who is still coping with the loss of his family in the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. Don Cheadle plays Alan Johnson, Charlie's old college roommate. When a chance encounter reunites the two, Johnson discovers that all is not well with Charlie and he makes it his mission to help. Cheadle never fails to deliver... his character is wrought with all of the insecurities that success and happiness are supposed to eliminate. He is restless... almost uncomfortable in his own life. Sandler delivers a startling performance in his portrayal of Fineman who is simply drowning in grief over the loss of his family. In this, the two characters complement each other quite well...Johnson takes his family and situation for granted, and Fineman has lost everything. Sandler's performance is incredible... and in this I have to briefly mention that the NF At-A-Glance is incorrect. Fineman doesn't seek help at all. In fact, his character is so shattered from the loss of his family that he has become a recluse... content with playing records, eating takeout, and battling his demons on his Playstation. Listen, this movie veers off into some random, totally unneccessary areas... the psycho dental patient for one... so in this respect I think the movie is only four stars, but Sandler's performance was truly moving. It shows us that a broken heart is a REAL thing, and not just a metaphor. The sense of tragedy is so thick, that we almost didnt want to go there... didn't want him to relive those final moments. Were I in his shoes, I can't say that I wouldn't wind up the same way. An excellent choice, but prepare yourself.
- Freakin Meow
Good roles for Sandler and Cheadle. A man with a huge problem with letting go and the friend who helps him through it all. Sandler was very believable. Also, there's the other little weird things also going on in this one. "Better bring out the big guns on this one. She's crazy with a side of crazy!"
- Cleve1212
This is a beautiful film. An absolute must see. Don Cheadleis great and with out question Adam Sandler's best dramatic performance. The movie has some laugh and tears and VERY interesting likable characters. Liv Tyler was an interesting choice as the therapist but it worked. As Sandler open up to the pain his character feels the movie becomes even heart-wrenching. He is a 9/11 widower who doesn't want to dig up the horrible memories. The kitchen... wow. It'll make you think hard about life and about relationships and about how you treat people in your life at every given moment. The court scene is very emotional and quite difficult. You realize this man is in serious pain. Routing for him all along this captivating film has a little bit of everything. I highly recommend it! Hope this is Helpful!
- Phatz