 |  | Get Showtimes... |
Review #435 of 365
Movie Review of Reign Over Me (2007) [R] 124 minutes
WIP™ Scale: $14.50
Where Viewed: United Artists Denver Pavilions Stadium 15, Denver, CO
When 1st Seen: 26 March 2007
Time: 8:15 p.m.
Film's Official Website • Film's Trailer
DVD Release Date: unscheduled
Review Dedicated to: CyberHusky
Directed by: Mike Binder (The Upside of Anger)
Written by: Mike Binder (he Upside of Anger)
Featured Cast (Where You Might Remember Him/Her From):
Adam Sandler (Click) • Don Cheadle (Crash) • Jada Pinkett Smith (Madagascar) • Liv Tyler (Lonesome Jim) • Saffron Burrows (Troy) • Donald Sutherland (Beerfest) • Robert Klein (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) • Melinda Dillon (Adam & Steve) • Mike Binder (Man About Town)
Music from Reign Over Me: Download the remake of "Reign Over Me" by Pearl Jam now from 
Download the soundtrack now from — or — order the CD below
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word or less review of this film]
Reign Over Me is a remarkable film. Not only do Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle deliver perfect performances as characters with such depth as we've not seen in recent times, but the story packs an incredibly powerful punch examining the traditionally downplayed topics of mental illness and grief—two things upon which USAers prefer not to dwell. No aspect of the story's plotlines should be ruined for future viewers of this film, so brevity in the way of plot background shall be the order for the day. Dentist Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle) is going merrily about his life of hard work and enveloping family life. He's married to Janeane (Jada Pinkett Smith), and they have three lovely daughters. He practices dentistry in an expensive Manhattan office with other partner dentists which he created. His life could be described as being mundane or comfortable or traditional or stifling on any given day, but certainly not as really living.
"…2007's first must-see film."
He has, however, done everything we are always led to believe we should do with our lives in the sense of being successful and accomplished. One day, however, his life, his world is turned upside down when he runs into his former dental school roommate, Charlie Fineman (Adam Sandler).
This is a fascinating, electric, plunge into the damage tragic events can inflict on the human mind and soul. But it is also a film about learning to reclaim one's life, permit others to grieve in their own way, and the incredible value of helping someone in mental distress to restore their life. It truly is a reclamation project. Writer, Director, and actor Mike Binder reached some depths of understanding in his writing that allowed him to beautifully acknowledge and script these characters. Such allows for a depth of understanding and empathy for them, especially Charlie, uncommon even over the course of a 500-page book. There is the mystery, the source of Charlie's grief, but more there is the switch that must exist in each one of us that gets flipped in the face of irreconcilable circumstances sending anyone of us onto a path that would look to any sane person as one of utter childlike chaos. Mr. Sandler, who of late has really begun to grow as an actor recognizing, at last, that while he still has the flair for comedy, that it is in the dramatic roles that he truly shines. He tender and sensitive portrayal of Charlie comes across as a labor of love. It's as if he really understands this character, befriended him, and then absorbed him.
|
This is a fascinating, electric, plunge into the damage tragic events can inflict on the human mind and soul. But it is also a film about learning to reclaim one's life, permit others to grieve in their own way, and the incredible value of helping someone in mental distress to restore their life. It truly is a reclamation project. Writer, Director, and actor Mike Binder reached some depths of understanding in his writing that allowed him to beautifully acknowledge and script these characters. Such allows for a depth of understanding and empathy for them, especially Charlie, uncommon even over the course of a 500-page book. There is the mystery, the source of Charlie's grief, but more there is the switch that must exist in each one of us that gets flipped in the face of irreconcilable circumstances sending anyone of us onto a path that would look to any sane person as one of utter childlike chaos. Mr. Sandler, who of late has really begun to grow as an actor recognizing, at last, that while he still has the flair for comedy, that it is in the dramatic roles that he truly shines. He tender and sensitive portrayal of Charlie comes across as a labor of love. It's as if he really understands this character, befriended him, and then absorbed him.
|
Back to Top | W.I.P. Scale™ | Most Recently Reviewed Films | Films of 2005 | Films of 2006 | Films of 2007
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Other Projects Featuring Reign Over Me (2007)
Cast Members
Adam Sandler
• Don Cheadle • Jada Pinkett SmithLiv Tyler
• Saffron Burrows • Donald SutherlandRobert Klein
• Melinda Dillon • Mike BinderWriter / Director
Mike Binder
| CD Soundtrack | DVD | VHS |
| Related Product |
Reign Over Me (2007) Review-lite [150-word cap]
Reign Over Me remarkable. Not only do Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle deliver perfect performances with incredible depth, but the story packs an incredibly powerful punch examining the traditionally downplayed topics of mental illness and grief. This is a fascinating, electric, plunge into the damage tragic events can inflict on the human mind and soul. But it is also a film about learning to reclaim one's life, permit others to grieve in their own way, and the incredible value of helping someone in mental distress to restore their life. It truly is a reclamation project. Writer, Director, and actor Mike Binder reached some depths of understanding in his writing that allowed him to beautifully acknowledge and script these characters. Pearl Jam's amazing remake of "Reign Over Me" added the final dimensions to an already mesmerizing experience. This movie truly is 2007's first must-see film.
2 comments:
I've just watched this movie. I did not cry but it did touch my heart in a novel way.
I realized that the most blissful person is the one for whom someone is waiting somewhere....
Thank you for the review. You definitely told what I thought of.
Hi Hpno11,
What a thoughtful comment to post. Thank you so much. I still think this was on of 2007's most unsung films, and it really deserved more critical praise and support.
ST
Post a Comment