Reign Over Me [2007] - DVD (Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett, Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrows - Dir: Mike Binder)

One of the first films to examine the aftermath of post- 9/11 New York City, Reign Over Me shows how much even indirect contact with those who lost loved ones in the tragedy can greatly affect. Like rings of debris spiraling out from an explosion, Charlie Fineman's (Adam Sandler) loss also devastates his in-laws, who he refuses to speak to, and ex-college roommate, Alan Johnson. Reign Over Me stars Johnson, a successful dentist with a gorgeous wife, Janeane (Jada Pinkett Smith) and two kids, who finds Charlie reverted back into a teenage wasteland, unable to face his unbearable sadness. Sandler as Charlie looks like Bob Dylan and acts like Dustin Hoffman in his great dramatic performance. Listening to The Who and The Boss through headphones, playing video games, and continually remodeling his kitchen, Fineman's escapism disturbs Johnson, who, in turn, feels squelched by his stiflingly normal lifestyle. As the two reacquaint, Johnson is the only person who can help save Fineman from self-obliteration. The story analyzes Post Traumatic Stress with some accuracy, though excess sentimentality undermines emotional scenes. Survivor's guilt, assessing mental illness, and absolute incapacitation due to grief are all topics covered within the bounds of the enduring friendship forged between these two men. Ultimately, Reign Over Me's message is one of compassion, as a reminder to treat victims of loss with patience and care. But interestingly, it also pays heed to smaller human tribulations, which are obstacles to healing when left untreated. --Trinie Dalton

Customer Reviews of Reign Over Me [2007]

Mr. S. Wright
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
6th January 2009

Sandler Impresses In Surprisingly Un-pompous Heartfelt 9/11 Loss Film.
This was one of those films that bites you in the backside. Hard. Harder than most because of both it's subject line and the most shocking thing you'll ever hear. Correction; two of the most shocking things you'll ever hear...

The first is that Adam Sandler is actually appearing in a serious role. The second is that he succeeds. Brilliantly.

To be the face of a man who lost his family to 9/11, was always going to be a difficult task, both from a directors perspective and more so for an actor, so taking on Sandler in the role of the long-time mourning Charlie was a very large risk. Some might say that his performance is a little 'puppy with a broken leg' (it makes you want to cry just by looking at it), but Sandler brings depth and tremendous power to his role. Cheadle is as ever excellent, one of the few actors in the crap-fest that was Crash that I actually felt genuinely towards, but this is Sandler's show, which makes it all the more surprising, as Cheadle has often been commended, but has never got the true deserved recognition, for his skills as a serious actor.

Reign Over Me is an odd movie to review as it has all the hallmarks of a Hollywood story, the strings come in in all the right place etc., but it strives to get as far away from this as it can, and for the most part succeeds. There's nothing that will make your gut-churn like you might see from a European film, had it been made in Europe, but Reign Over Me is a genuinely effecting film, of which, this reviewer hasn't seen in quite some time.

The soundtrack of old tracks from the 70's is especially good, including a Graham Nash classic and one of Jackson Browne's lesser known classics, The Bird of Saint Marks.

The New York setting is of course essential for this film. Despite it having been nearly a decade since the tragedy, the streets and walls of the city still seem to reek of a covered sorrow that this film exploits fully.

I'm very surprised that the Oscar bells didn't come ringing for Sandler as he genuinely deserved them. Time will only tell if he manages to form a career which proves that he can do 'serious' well, but I have faith in him because as his scene where he finally opens up to Cheadle proves, he can be utterly mesmerizing, and in this film, in that city, with this subject he needed to be. Don't miss it.

eolake.blogspot.com
Lancashire, United Kingdom
28th November 2008

Drama and humor
I just watched Reign Over Me. Brilliant movie.

Normally one would think it would not be something for me, because it's a "human drama" story. But it's a good one, it avoids the usual sentimental sand traps most of these movies are mired in.

And importantly, it has a lot of humor. It's subtle, of the kind people may not remember after, but it's there all the time. One small example: a therapist, played by lovely Liv Tyler, is told by a defensive patient that what he thinks about are her perfect tits. And next session she is wearing the bulkiest sweater you ever saw... and it's not even mentioned! That's excellent.

There's a bit of dangeous casting by Adam Sandler as the messed up guy, but he actually does a wonderful job.

One of the main themes of the film is also unique (so far as I know): even if it's obvious that a person needs to Get Help, and Open Up, and Face His Past, how much can you do for him? How much can you push him? Can you really help him? Is it him you really want to help, or youself?

Gayle Davey
Suffolk, UK
3rd September 2008

pure genius....sandler is superb!
I like Sandler's comic movies as well as the next person but was astounded by his portrayal of a greiving husband and father...he truly surprised me. Think I cried, laughed and was horrified all in one sitting. I've bought this film for myself but also for people I like and know will get the message it sends. If you don't see it you'll have missed out. Pearl Jam theme is fab too!

ALEX FLETCHER UK
ENGLAND
2nd August 2008

Sandler shows he is not a 1 trick pony
AT FIRST I THOUGHT THIS IS TO SLOW & NEARLY EJECTED THE DVD AFTER 10 MINUTES. I STUCK WITH IT & FOUND IT TO BE AN ABSORBING MOVIE. VERY MOVING,SAD IN MANY PLACES. THE NIGHT TIME SCENES ADDED TO THE LONELINESS OF CHARLIE ALONE IN A BIG CITY, IT ALSO HAS HUMOUR.WELL ACTED BY ALL OF THE ASSEMBLED CAST ALAN & CHARLIE HAD A CHEMISTRY THAT HELD THE MOVIE TOGETHER I WILL CERTAINLY WATCH THIS MOVIE AGAIN. Adam Sandler has broken away from his usual rom/com movies to show that he can be a serious actor too. It is not Henry v, but well worth a viewing.

Big Proof
London, England
15th July 2008

Maybe Sandler's best performance to date..Lost 1 Star due to DVD cut.
This could be Adam Sandler's best work to date. Despite being internationally known for his 'stupid comedy' roles, Reign Over Me shows that Sandler is more than as the token goofball.

The only thing which was disappointing with the DVD release is that the movie had 2 scenes cut and its very noticeable, from the moment when he is in therapy with Liv Tyler's character, he is sitting there with his iPod to reading a magazine in a split second. The scene cut is a very powerful scene which explains even more the reasons why his character is always changing the layout of his kitchen.

This movie is a must.