When I first saw the trailers for this movie, I really didn’t know what to expect.  It seemed like another one of those depressing films where a comedic actor tries to be serious.  One of those actors is Jim Carrey, who I really do think has great serious and a great comedic side.  If you do not believe me, go out and rent Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. 

Now, this is not the first time that Adam Sandler has played a serious role.  He was amazing in a movie called Punch Drunk Love, which is directed by my boy P.T. Anderson.  That dude is responsible for a bunch of great movies like Boogie Nights, Magnolia, etc.  I do remember when I saw the trailer; I thought Sandler was doing a Bob Dylan part because he looked just like him.  Reign Over Me stars Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle (Ocean’s 11, Hotel Rwanda), Liv Tyler (Armageddon, The Lord of the Rings), Jada Pinkette Smith (The Matrix Reloaded) and has a small appearance by Donald Sutherland.

The Plot: Above, I say the flick is depressing, yet it makes you laugh and feel good.  How can that be possible?  Well, that is possible when you have an amazing script and two great lead actors.  The performances out of Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle are definitely Oscar worthy.  When it comes to the actual plot of the movie, it is not extremely original, but the way it was written was like none other. 

Alan Johnson, played by Don Cheadle, is a dentist working in New York City.  He lives with his wife, played by Jada Pinkette Smith, and two children.  One day on the way home from work, he notices his old college roommate, Charlie Fineman (played by Adam Sandler), driving through New York City on a motor bike.  Fineman ignores Johnson during this first meeting. 

Weeks later, Johnson runs into Fineman again and notices that he has become a totally different person from the college man he once knew.  He seems depressed and extremely distant.  Granted, it has been many years since they have seen each other, Johnson still feels that Charlie has changed a lot.  Johnson knows that Fineman lost his entire family, including his wife, three children and their dog, in the September 11th attacks.  He feels that he should help Fineman by spending time with him. 

Not to get into too many details, but Fineman is totally cut-off from the real world.  Johnson just wants to bring him back.  I know this sounds a little boring, based on what I am writing, but trust me, it is not.  The plot may seem a little dull, but the writing and acting brings it to whole different level. 

The Review: Overall, I thought this was an extremely well written and acted film.  I feel that this is definitely Sandler’s best performance.  The whole time I am sitting here watching this movie; I just could not wait for Sandler to finally break down and tell someone the story of his family.  You have to understand that first hour and forty five minutes of this movie is all about Sandler being pretty much silent about any of his past.  He wants to just have fun with Cheadle, i.e. watching Mel Brooks movies and playing video games.  Cheadle actually likes this, because it is a lifestyle change from living at home with his family. 

There are many other aspects that go in this movie, one in particular being a female patient of Cheadle’s.  She is played by Saffron Burrows and is extremely hot.  Her part to the movie adds a whole different level of drama. 

The Verdict: Like I said above, the basic plot line is dull, but what happens inside of the movie is what makes it great.  I give the film a 4.5 BDK rating because I do feel that it should be seen in theatres.  It can be enjoyable as a matinee showing or at full price, hence the 4.5 BDK rating.