Review of Reign Over Me (2007) by Tom P — 15 Feb 2010

Seriously fantastic film. Very human and effecting. An unusual role for Sandler and while I found his performance to be a bit hit and miss, he is thoroughly watchable and engaging and I really felt for his character.

While Sandler plays the main character in the film, Don Cheadle's performance is equally important and I have to say he is excellent, totally believable and natural in the role of Sandler's ex-roomate and only friend. The side-plot involving his relationship with his wife is extremely well done and adds a lot of depth to his character. This other aspect of the film also succeeds in never feeling tacked on and remains an important part of the proceedings. It was a clever and human issue to touch on, in relation to Sandler's own personal turmoil and allows us to see another side of his character also.

Another note-worthy performance is that of Donald Sutherland, while brief, his performance is sincere and makes a huge impact to the emotional proceedings of the end of the film.

I found this to be an extremely well done story about complex human emotions and dealing with loss. It certainly stands out as a different film from the norm that succeeds through some fantastic performances to deliver some real emotional clout, while at the same time remembering it is entertainment and while sensitive to its subject matter plays it down and balances it with comedy.

It did seem like one big advertisement for Shadow of the Colossus on PS2 though. Yes it mentions the game quite a lot, that's Shadow of the Colossus as Don Cheadle's character likes to frequently point out...good game though :).