(film only review)

Introduction

Reign over me sees Adam Sandler play a more serious role and character compared to the more common slapstick comedy. He plays a character that has had to deal with loss and grief. He plays alongside Don Cheadle with other key actresses Jada Pinkett Smith and Liv Tyler also playing key roles. The film is classed as a drama and was released back in 2007. It currently has a rating of
7.6/10 from 50,425 users on IMDB.

Plot

The film features two key characters. The first is Charlie Fineman (Sandler) who has lost everything after the September 11 attacks. He loses his family and the grief caused by this causes him to both leave his job and isolate himself from others. The second main character is Alan Johnson (Cheadle). On the surface it seems he has everything he needs with a loving wife, children and a successful career as a dentist. He though feels overwhelmed with coping with the pressures of balancing both family and work. He sees no relief from his hectic work and home life. In a chance meeting the two former college roommates are reunited in a New York street. It seems that Charlie has fallen far since college days but Charlie and Alan both seem to need help from each other. Their rekindled friendship sees them help each other to try to move forward with their lives and revel in each other's company. Alan goes back to his college days when hanging out with Charlie and Charlie is able to also go back to those days and try to move on with his life.

Overall Opinion

This is a really heart-warming and positive film. Sandler plays a serious role in a way you may not expect him to after all the usual comedies. He does well in his role as Charlie Fineman. He is supported well by Cheadle and also Jada Pinkett Smith who plays his wife. Liv Tyler and Saffron Burrows also give good support performances. The film has some funny moments but is overall a serious drama tackling various issues such as the effects of loss and grief, monotony in life and the serious consequences of isolation and solitude and the benefits of friendship. Overall I would give this film 4 out of 5 stars and it is definitely worth a watch even if it is to see Sandler in a more serious role showing his real acting skils.

Directed by: Mike Binder

Produced by: Jack Binder
Michael Rotenberg

Written by: Mike Binder

Starring:

Adam Sandler
Don Cheadle
Jada Pinkett Smith
Liv Tyler
Saffron Burrows
Donald Sutherland
Mike Binder


Running time 124 minutes