Review of Reign Over Me (2007) by Gradhito O — 09 Mar 2013

Reign Over Me has it's flaws. It sometimes feels as if it's telling the same story over and over again, and takes a while before it builds up a stable story. But the thing that's amazing about Reign Over Me is the fact that it prepares me to make a statement I never expected to: Adam Sandler's performance in this film is worth nothing short of an Academy Award nomination.

The fact that Reign Over Me wasn't nominated for any major awards is unbelievable to me. I really enjoyed it, especially because of Adam Sandler.

Although primarily known for his comedic roles, Adam Sandler takes such a different turn in Reign Over Me as Charlie Fineman, a character who is unable to deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder which destabilises his mentality. Here, we see what can only be defined as Adam Sandler in a mix of Rain Man and Ordinary People, in the sense that he lacks proper mentality and is forced to come to terms with loss and grief. Adam Sandler does it so flawlessly with his physical actions and facial gestures, as well as on his vocal talents. His character is inconsistent throughout Reign Over Me, and it actually assists his functioning and displays how his issues have forced him to change in several large ways all so he may adapt to the situations thrown at him. And in all honesty, the way the audience feels about Charlie Fineman is polarising. Simultaneously, we want him to get help and be left alone so he can live his own life, and these two tones reflect Adam Sandler's performance in a simply exquisite manner. Reign Over Me is unforgettable because of Adam Sandler, and no awards have appreciated it as much as I have.

In another good lead, Don Cheadle provides a good lead opposite Adam Sandler, and delivers his line without missing a beat of how they were intended, and Cheadle works go ensure that we like and support his character at every move, as well as holding his own as a good lead. Sandler and Cheadle are the greatest dramatic duo I've seen in ages. Jada Pinkett Smith also provided a good supporting part.

Also, a large amount of praise in Reign Over Me can be attributed to the scriptwriting and directing skills of Mike Binder. Binder elevates the story of Reign Over Me above mere melodrama, and his skills as a writer allow him to implement a derogatory term like "faggot" into the story gently and prevent it from being inappropriate or offensive.

So Reign Over Me is a nice simple drama with a performance by Adam Sandler worth nothing short of an Oscar-Nomination, and if you don't believe me then see it for yourself. I mean seriously, you really should see Reign Over Me.