Reign Over Me (film): you wont believe it when you see it
I thought the quote on the movie poster was particularly appropriate for this movie and kind of sums up the shock value of it for me.
We all know that Don Cheadle is a magnificent dramatic actor but what if I were to tell you that Adam Sandler actually is capable of not only pulling off a serious emotional role without any "whhhooopedy dooo!" aspect to it. Not only that, he completely nails it to the point where you wonder why he doesn't take on such roles more often (I actually know the answer to that: money.)
Adam Sandler plays Dr. Charlie Fineman, a man who lost his entire family on the day the Twin Towers went down in 2001. He went from be a socially active and successful practitioner to someone who barely ever talks to anyone, constantly has his headphones on when driving his silly scooter down the street and barely leaves his house.
Charlie runs into his former college roomate Dr Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle) randomly on the street one day and Alan notices that Charlie has changed a lot. He is aware that he lost his family in the tragedy but was unaware that after 5 years he hasn't made much in the way of recovery and looks downtrodden and disheveled. He doesn't work and only because of his past history with Alan does he even take his headphones off to speak to him. He actually either pretends to or genuinely doesn't recognize his college roommate at first.
Alan is only trying to help by attempting to introduce Charlie to a therapist but this only results in Charlie becoming violent and resisting all help. Eventually Alan forges a renewed relationship with Charlie and learns a bit about his own life in the process.
I don't want to spoil the rest of the movie because it really is something special to see Sandler do something that isn't slapstick goofy every now and then.
To put it into perspective as to why it is that Sandler doesn't do films like this often - this film barely made it's 20 million dollar budget back while Jack and Jill, which is widely regarded as the worst film ever made by anyone and was nominated for a record-breaking 12 Razzies (an award you do not want to be nominated for,) pulled in a $75 million profit. When you look at the numbers it is easy to understand why studios aren't exactly tumbling over one-another to cast Sandler as a serious actor.
I would rate it higher but to be honest it drags at times but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is definitely worth watching, if for no other reason than to see Sandler in a different light.
It's not very often a movie can literally make the entire audience laugh, and five minutes later fill their eyes with tears. Many movies try to do this, but few can deliver the emotional impact that this film did. Adam Sandler practically drags you in with his heated and often violent outbursts, but also makes you laugh when the shadow of his past isn't pulling him down. I'm not going to ruin anything, but there is one scene in particular that should have your eyes watering and lip quivering. Even the most macho of men would have to be heartless bastards to not feel something while watching this movie. Don Cheadle gives another great performance, but is out-shined by Sandler. Liv Tyler and Jada Pinkett Smith give solid performances, but nothing in the line of the two leading roles. Sandler's humor is still present, which actually saved this film from being border-line depressing. There are several laughs to be had, but don't think you will stay there long, because it gets serious again without much warning.
I could go on and on about how well this movie hit on just about every emotion the human body contains, but I will cut this one short. I feel there is no need to tell you anything more. Do yourself a favor and take the time to see this movie
Underrated film, Great but not excellent
The movie is, indeed, something resembling a case history of New York civilisation hmm, with the film theme focused on charming, affecting tale of friendship and loss, revolving the story of a man who lost his love ones. The film is intriguing at the same time you're anticipating if he'll recover from the devastating loss. The tricky thing there was to show that it is not a simple, uplifting tale. It's never clear whether Charlie will fully recover, and that sense of realism is the film's strength. I commend the depth of the film who tried to tackle a sensitive matters as well reflecting it to the mental and psychological aspect of the film. One element of the film that seem to be lacking are strong scenarios and event that would left in the audience to remember. There were some dull moments for me especially when the director tried to do fast phasing of some scenes. However the main Star Adam Sandler was spectacular as always. believable and even lovable character can begin to emerge. It was very refreshing as we often see Sandler doing comedy and romantic with this really heartfelt and emotional. Sandler shows he's got real acting chops! Job well done.
Overall I would give this 6.5/10
nice follow-up pal :)
Sandler in a serious movie??? The movie must be serious
Thank you for that introduction, I have heard about "Reign over me" but have not watched yet. Both actors Sander and Cheadle are my favourite and to see those two names together, it is intriguing to know how the interact and how the movie is. Of course I am not waiting for a lot of funny scene but I think still would be interesting to see the movie :)
I had watched Reign over me and had loved the plot of the movie, although this was an impressive thorough review! keep up with the good work
Nice plot @gooddream. The film looks interesting and i would really watch it to see what happens to sandler next. Charlie and alan both are mates for the past time but now are going on with their lives and have reunion (incident meet up actually) at a very tense situation. Lets see can Alan support his friend Charlie. Thanks for this movie review.
Hiii... Gooddream
Great Post with perfect review.
My 100% upvote for this post Also.
Hi gooddream.Never heard of it but will give it a shot.