Other Titles • Reign O'er Me • Empty City • Reign Over Me (2007) • more • more
Synopses for Reign Over Me (2007)
1.
Demonstrating the same understanding of the complexities of human relationships that characterized his 2006 film, THE UPSIDE OF ANGER, and his short-lived HBO series, THE MIND OF THE MARRIED MAN, writer/director Mike Binder once again taps into the same fertile ground in this story of one man’s difficulty reconnecting with the world after experiencing a great tragedy. In another role showcasing his relatively untapped talent for dramatic roles, Adam Sandler is Charlie Fineman, a New York dentist whose post-traumatic stress caused by the loss of his wife and children on 9/11 sees him regressing to a sort of second childhood dominated by videogames, record collecting, and riding his motor scooter around the city. A chance run-in with his former college roommate, fellow dentist, and family man Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle) spurs Charlie’s first attempts at remembering his past. But though Alan is genuinely glad to try and help Charlie, it will take more than the company of a good friend to get Charlie back to the world.
Striking just the right balance between comedy and pathos, Binder’s script elicits another great performance from Cheadle, and allows Sandler to continue to prove that he’s capable of far more than the comedies that made him a box-office superstar. They are accompanied by a stellar supporting cast including Jada Pinkett Smith as Alan’s vigilant wife, Janeane; Liv Tyler as the therapist who finally gives Charlie a healthy outlet for his grief; and Saffron Burrows as a neurotic patient of Alan’s. Though REIGN OVER ME could be classified as a post-9/11 film, Binder never belabors or exploits the point and never actually mentions the event by name. The stunning New York location shots look as lovely as any in cinematic memory.
(20 votes)
2.
In Columbia Pictures' new drama Reign Over Me, former college roomates Charlie Fineman (Adam Sandler) and Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle) meet up again by chance on a Manhattan street corner. Five years after losing his family on 9/11, 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 – 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. Reign Over Me was written and directed by Mike Binder (The Upside of Anger).
Columbia Pictures presents, in association with Relativity Media, a Madison 23/Sunlight production, Reign Over Me. The film stars Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrows, Donald Sutherland, and Mike Binder. Written and Directed by Mike Binder, the film is produced by Jack Binder and Michael Rotenberg. Executive producers are Jack Giarraputo and Lynwood Spinks. Director of photography is Russ Alsobrook, ASC. Production designer is Pipo Wintter. Editors are Steve Edwards and Jeremy Roush. Costume designer is Deborah L. Scott. Music is by Rolfe Kent. Music supervision is by Dave Jordan.
Reign Over Me has been rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for Language and Some Sexual References.
Adam Sandler takes a rare straight role in REIGN OVER ME, which sees him playing a man who moves in with his former college roommate after losing his family in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
(20 votes)
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