"Reign Over Me"

Adam Sandler
Don Cheadle
Jada Pinkett Smith
Liv Tyler
Saffron Burrows
Donald Sutherland
Robert Klein
Melinda Dillion
Mike Binder

R           124min           2007


Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith and Liv Tyler star in this heart-rendering story about Charlie Fineman (Sandler), who has slipped away from reality after the sudden loss of his wife and children. But Charlie’s life takes a turn for the better when he runs into his old college roommate Alan Johnson (Cheadle), whose life is torn between the demands of career and family. Their renewed friendship rekindles their long-forgotten bond, and both men emerge enriched and enlightened.

"Reign Over Me" is the best Adam Sandler film I have seen in the last few years. I think this is a story that resonates will everyone who was alive during 9/11. This is a film that should not be missed.

Adam Sandler gave a rousing and moving performance. You truly believe that Charlie Fineman is struggling by normal standards to come back from that day. He ‘s coping his way and every thinks they know what’s best for him. Sandler makes you believe he’s a man broken by that day.

Since 9/11 Americans are living in a different world now. The problems of the world have touched us and made us stronger and more resilient from the pain. "Reign Over Me" has a pain that is universal and at the heart of this film. I personal don’t know some like Charlie Fineman but I know that there are Charlie Finemans out in the world.

No one should miss “Reign Over Me”. Although technically not a 9/11 film, it is right up there with the other ones, “World Trade Center” and United 93. They dealt with the ordeal of the day and “Reign Over Me” deals with the aftermath of that day. A day that hurt so many people yet many Americans can’t tell you the exact date. I remember the exact moment when I saw heard about the first plane, saw the second plane hit, the chaos and panic that my mind felt afterward.

As for the special features there is a jam session featurette with Don Cheadle and Adam Sandler. There is a behind the scenes featurette about the film. The final feature is a photo gallery of set stills running to the music of Love, Reign O’er Me by ‘The Who’. There are movie previews for: “Click”, “Vantage Point”, “Spider-Man 3”, “30 Days of Night”, “Sleuth”, “Angel-A”, “Interview”, “Spanglish”, “The Company”, and “Close Encounter of the Third Kind”.

I give 5/5 Gs.