Reign Over Me

I have just discovered the awesomeness that is Boston Legal. You know the show about lawyers and their very sordid and dramatic personal lives. The show stars William Shatner, James Spader, Candice Bergen, amongst others. I just watched an episode where a hot actress shoots a papparrazi and is then represented by Denny Crane (William Shatner's character). Denny in usual fashion is more interested in representing her because of her looks than because of her very real legal problems. In his initial interview with the actress he keeps getting caught staring at her boobs. Alan Shore (James Spader's character) tries to explain why Denny is doing so so unabashedly by saying, "his eyes are bigger than his shame". Classic Boston Legal! I am sure it is better in the actual episode than on this blog but none the less.

Well, onto the movie the of day.



Reign Over Me is a drama starring Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Liv Tyler.

It's one of those post 9/11 movies. Now before you stop reading, because let's be frank, most post 9/11 movies are either aweful or unbelievably sad, this movie is an exception. An amazing exception. Also, Adam Sandler has tried to branch into other genres with little success in my view (Spanglish was excellent, though). He did, however, do a pretty good job being dramatic in this movie. So, don't let the post 9/11 thing or Adam Sandler in a drama scare you away from this movie.

The rest of the cast did an amazing job as usual. I was particularily impressed with Don Cheadle.

Reign Over Me was directed and written by Mike Binder. He also plays one of the characters in the movie and does a suprisingly good job in his role. Some directors have no place acting in their own movies. I actually think it is refreshing, however, when a director can pull it off. So, congrats Mike Binder.

Reign Over Me is about a man, Charlie Fineman, (Adam Sandler) who lost his family in one of the planes that crashed during 9/11. It starts out following a family man, Alan Johnson, (Don Cheadle) who sees his old college roommate Charlie Fineman ride by on a motorized push scooter. Alan Johnson tracks down Charlie Fineman after this encounter and comes to find out that Charlie is not handling the loss of his family very well. However, Alan starts to find Charlie's escape techniques from reality liberating as he is having problems with his wife (Jada Pinkett Smith) and the rut his family life is turning into. As Alan latches on to Charlie because he invies Charlie's freedom, he relizes he needs to help Charlie get therapy. Alan takes Charlie to see a psychologist in his medical building (Liv Tyler). In due time Charlie opens up to the psychologist and talks about his lost family and the pain associates with his loss. In doing so he suffers a mental breakdown. Charlie's episode starts out suicidal and ends up with him in jail. He has to go before a judge to establish his competancy and again is forced to deal with his past (especially his in-laws). With the help of Alan, his psychologist, and a stray friend Charlie starts to heal his wounds. In the process Charlie touches the lives of everyone around them. Charlie especially helps everyone to prioritize and recognize what is most important in life.

As usual, I whole heartedly recommend this movie to anyone. Be sure to give it a chance because it is one of those movies that will change your perspective in life.

Other information:
Mike Binder will be acting in a movie being released in July entitled, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.
Adam Sandler will be acting alongside Seth Rogen in a new Judd Apatow movie called Funny People. I can't wait for that one. Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen, and Adam Sandler in a comedy has to be priceless. The cast also includes Jonah Hill, Leslie Mann, Jason Schwartzman, and Sarah Silverman.
Adam Sandler's production company is called Happy Madison. Obviously based off of his movies Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison.
Don Cheadle is replacing Terrence Howard as Col. James 'Rhodey' Rhodes in Iron Man 2