Film of the Day: "Reign Over Me" — When Adam Sandler Makes You Cry Instead of Laugh

Contents:
In a world where Adam Sandler's name is more often associated with absurd humor and comedies, "Reign Over Me" is like a slap in the face to everyone who's used to judging a book by its cover.

This is completely different cinema. And it's probably one of the strongest dramatic films of the 2000s. Rewatching it, I'm once again convinced that comedians can sometimes play tragic characters far better than dramatic actors.

What the film's about

Charlie (Adam Sandler) and Alan (Don Cheadle) are former college roommates who bump into each other years later. One has a wife, kids, and a dental practice. The other's life has gone completely off the rails.

Charlie lost his family in the September 11 attacks and has withdrawn into himself ever since: playing video games, listening to music, avoiding any talk about the past. Alan seems to be living a "normal" life, but he's just as empty inside and searching for his own salvation.
Actor Adam Sandler with curly hair stands in headphones and cries
Scenes from "Reign Over Me"
Source:
Their meeting becomes a turning point: two people, each carrying their own pain, trying to find their way back to themselves.

This is a story about real friendship. Without the clichéd melodrama of "never give up, keep moving forward no matter what" and all that. Here, one person simply doesn't let the other drown. And that's enough.

What critics say

Critics were divided, as usual. The Daily Telegraph calls the film "surprisingly moving," while Empire notes it's Don Cheadle's finest hour and real proof that can actually act. The Guardian, however, stays cold: without Sandler, the film would've been too saccharine and banal, and he's the only thing that saved it.
Actor Adam Sandler in a black coat sits in a chair next to a movie poster featuring him walking down the street
Poster and scene from "Reign Over Me"
Source:
On IMDb, the film holds a 7.4 rating, on Rotten Tomatoes — 64% from critics and 81% from audiences. And honestly? This time the audiences are closer to the truth.

What audiences say

Viewers in their reviews are surprisingly unanimous:
This is possibly the best role Adam Sandler has ever played. Gripping, mystical, not many films make you cry and keep you watching until the end. Really loved the supporting roles, very believable.
Rotten Tomatoes user Penni B.

Why you should watch

Reign Over Me is a film about pain, but not for drama's sake. It's about being there when everything falls apart. About not being afraid of other people's problems. And about how real friendship works better than any medicine. This is just good cinema. Really good cinema.

And if you need something without unnecessary drama — Reign Over Me is worth your evening. Earlier on zoomboola.com, we told you about "Interstate 60" — a road movie with the strangest characters in cinema history.