Reign Over Me

A long time ago in a blog galaxy far far away, it might be remembered that I used to write little reviews on the movies that I had seen.

I don't know why I stopped.




'Reign Over Me' is not a film about September 11. Adam Sandler's character, Charlie Fineman, could well have lost his family to a car crash or homicide. The use of the September 11 back story is simply a well devised tool to elicit instant empathy for the overwhelming loss Charlie Fineman would be feeling, something that is vital to the story line. September 11 has come to symbolise, to many Americans at least, pure and unadulterated grief, and 'Reign Over Me' chooses to channel these sentiments, rather than burning reel time to build what is instantly available in the meat and potatoes of 9/11.

Lost in the mental illness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Fineman, once a dentist, has forgotten his life pre 9/11. A chance meeting with his old college room mate Allan Johnson (Don Cheadle) rekindles a friendship and brings about a vessel for change in Finemans broken existence, raising questions along the way about friendship and how far one person will go to help another for no apparent gain. It explores with sincerity the complexity of human relationships, what it is to be a friend to someone who doesn't fit the mold and the sometimes challenging situations caring about a person with a mental illness can create.

Adam Sandler's performance is compelling. This is no Happy Gilmore and Sandler unleashes upon us a depth of acting ability that even drove co-star Liv Tyler to tears on set. Don Cheadle is well cast in the roll of the ever patient Allan, a family man with a few buried demons of his own to face and the lovely Liv is perfect in her roll as a therapist and ultimately friend. Her serenity flows willingly onto the screen, leaving her work in 'Lord Of The Rings' far behind and well free from any ethereal glow. In no way are you left thinking it's Arwen up there, not in that green cable knit number, anyway.

Co-starring the likes of Saffron Burrows and Donald Sutherland, there is depth to be found even in the supporting characters, from Burrows' post-divorce vixen Donna, intent on getting down and dirty in the dentists chair with a disinterested Dr Johnson to Sutherland channeling Judge Judy Sheindlin in his law chambers.

'Reign Over Me' is a drama and wont be for everyone, but despite its grim subject matter and moments where even the most stoic amongst us might be forced to wipe away a tear, funny guy Sandler still gets the opportunity to make us laugh, because just like in the real world, the lighter side of life can shine through even in our darkest hours.