Reign Over Me

*** Stars

What you could call as the third motion picture of September 11th, Reign Over Me is a movie that is hard to hate. It rises above a cliched melodrama thanks to two strong performances from Don Cheadle and Adam Sandler, in which is the best performance of his career.

Charlie Fineman (Sandler) and Alan Johnson (Cheadle) were college roommates several years ago. After Charlie Fineman loses his family five years prior on 9/11, the two reunite. Charlie, once a successful dentist, has retreated from his life, and Alan is stunned to see the changes in his formerly gregarious friend. At the same time, Alan (still a successful dentist), who should be enjoying his beautiful wife, children and career, is overwhelmed by his responsibilities. Their rekindled relationship becomes a lifeline for the two men, who are both in need of a trusted friend at this pivotal moment in their lives.

This a great movie to see with your best friend. This is a story about male friendships and how males deal with loss, careers, and families. What Charlie goes through in this film is a monumental psychological breakdown. Adding the layer that Charlie lost his family in 9/11 makes it more emotional and personal to the viewer. This is a film that should be watched during psychology class. In a scene between Alan and his wife Janeane (Jada Pinkett-Smith), Janeane thinks Alan is actually jealous of Charlie, and how he can do anything he wants and does not have to deal with family issues. Alan begins to realize that he does not open up enough to his wife.

Director Mike Binder (The Upside of Anger) has a lot of talent here. About two-thirds of this film is exceptional. The other third seems too familiar (there is romance for Charlie near the end) and choppy. I recommend this film to those who want to see some truly great acting (mega-props to Sandler and Cheadle) and how friendship can truly save a life.