Reign Over Me

Reviewed by Sarah Carrillo

While it may disappoint fans hoping to see Adam Sandler revive his Billy Madison persona, Reign Over Me will delight everyone ready to see him in a new light. Directed by Mike Binder, Reign Over Me gives Sandler a chance to show a new range in his acting abilities and he pulls off the complicated role in a sometimes understated but always believable way.

The story centers around two men, Charlie Fineman (Sandler), who lost his entire family during the September 11th attacks, and Alan Johnson (played by the always great Don Cheadle), who is also going through some smaller personal crises of his own. The old friends run into each other and Johnson decides to help his obviously distraught friend—and at the same time Fineman ends up helping him too.

While this movie could have been incredibly depressing given the subject matter—grief and death—the story injects a lot of humor and you’ll actually find yourself laughing a lot more often than you’ll be reaching for the tissues. However, there are a few very moving moments that are thankfully not over the top but instead very honest and realistic. I definitely grew attached to these likable characters, even the minor ones played by Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler and Saffron Burrows.

My only problem with the movie was the ending, but don’t worry I won’t spoil it for you. Anyone with some relationship experience will understand my concern with how the movie leaves Fineman when they see it, but it definitely should not deter you from checking out this movie. The last five minutes will not ruin the enjoyable two hours you’ve already spent with Fineman and Johnson.