DVD Review: Reign Over Me

In REIGN OVER ME, Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle) has a comfortable life wrapped up neatly in a very nice package: a good job, home and family. However, something is missing. Then he happens upon his old college roommate, Charlie Fineman (Adam Sandler), and realizes just how fragile and treasured the good life should be.   

This character-driven melodrama centers on the rekindled relationship between Alan and Charlie. The two lost touch after Charlie's entire family was killed in the September 11 attacks on the WTC. It is obvious to Alan that his friend Charlie needs help, but he must invest himself significantly into Charlie's life to figure out exactly what kind of help is best for his old friend. To tell you any more about the film would spoil the film's intended effect and I refuse to write any spoilers. Just open yourself to the experience and try not to end up with a tear in your eyes as the film deals with the serious issues of friendship, loss, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and finding one's own way back... albeit very slowly.

Cheadle and Sandler both give solid performances and work well together. Sandler surprises me in this one. A warning to Adam Sandler fans: This is not his typical 'go for the laughs' style. Rather, REIGN OVER ME is to Sandler what DEAD POET SOCIETY and AWAKENINGS were to Robin Williams. The supporting cast all provide their own unique layers to the film. I especially got a kick out of Saffron Burrows, who is rather strangely affected by her divorce, and the dentist office receptionist, who is a less-than-tactful gatekeeper.  

Also featuring: Jada Pinket Smith, Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrow, Donald Sutherland
Writer/Director: Mike Binder (also appears as Bryan Sugarman in the movie)

FYI: Binder also wrote and directed one of my favorite films, INDIAN SUMMER (1993).

For very deep personal reasons, I must admit I find it hard to give this film anything less than a MUST SEE rating. Feel free to judge for yourself.