Reign Over Me Review

I had high expectations for this movie after seeing the trailer, then of course there was that last minute review I saw in Rolling Stone magazine by some bastard who probably was too busy eating milk duds and popcorn together to realize the emotional level of this movie mixed in with the comedy. I don't even understand Rolling Stone is a music magazine and the idea behind the movie was that music took away the pain, that it opened up a whole new world to Sandler. I would think that Rolling Stone would have at least endorsed this music movie. Who ever it was, gave the movie one star out of four.

After seeing the movie with my expectations lowered completely because of that review, I thought it was great for the concept it was based around. Adam Sandler (Charlie Fineman) plays the part of a father who lost his whole family in 9-11, and just mopes around the city listening to music. After a government settlement that has left him with millions he just drives around on his little scooter, playing video games and remodeling his kitchen month after month. His old college roommate (Alan Johnson) played by Don Cheadle, sees him one day.
Charlie grows attached to him because Alan brings back the past before the horror in his life. Charlie is just trying the best he can to forget about the past, while his in-laws keep trying to make him not forget by trying to comfort him.

Sandler plays the role magnificently, haunting the viewer at times with his outburst, and causing random moments of laughter. Many of us can relate to Sandler of the level of impact that 9-11 had on us. Making us full of rage and not wanting to think about it at times. Cheadle becomes the buddy that Sandler needs, and vice versa. Alan has a controlling wife, a huge law suit from a psyhco beauty, and partners who have taking advantage of him.

Cheadle and Sandler both deserve notice for their roles in the movie. Making the viewer sympathetic, sad, and even cracking up at times. The movie is a drama, and the climax really brings it home in the court scene. Yet throughout the movie there are conversations and random moments of pure enjoyment that will make you laugh out loud. Sandler captures the heart of the viewer with his child like behavior, almost bringing back memories of those SNL days. You start slowly playing the part of Cheadle and wondering what to do next with your friend that you care for so much.

This movie will touch and tickle you at the same time. Sandler deserves at least a nod at the Oscars next year, and the issue they tackle let's people remember that there are others out there that still suffer. That even though they may be messed up in the head doesn't exactly mean they are crazy. 4 out of 5 for this movie. Go see it on this rainy Saturday, it's worth it.