Reign Over Me

It over five years after the attacks of September 11. While much of the nation has healed from the initial shock of the attacks, this movie explores the lasting effects on individuals who suffered the ultimate losses during the attacks. This story is told through Charlie Fineman played by Adam Sandler. Fineman lost his entire family during the attacks which included his Wife and three daughters, as well as the family dog, Spider. Charlie is devastated and had reacted to his loss in a most bizarre and unexpected manner, social isolation. We meet Charlie through the eyes of Alan Johnson , played by Don Cheadle. Troubled one day, with his own set of problems, Alan unexpectedly sees Charlie cruising the streets of New York City on his gas-powered scooter.

After seeing Charlie, Alan is interested in reconnecting with his former college roomate. The story the revolves on the friendship that Charlie and Alan rekindle, and how through this friendship each of the friends begin to confront their own problems and losses.

This movie which touched on many themes including grief and friendship. What I thought was particularly interesting and even insightful was how easily suffering people recognize the suffering in others.

I highly recommend this movie, I thought that Don Cheadle did a superb job in playing the role of the supportive friend, while eventually opening open and confronting his own problems and weaknesses. Adam Sandler also did a great job of portraying a fringe character. The movie contains a superb cast and is well worth seeing.



The basic premise of this movie is that Charlie Fineman, played by Adam Sandler, lost his entire family during the September 11 attacks in 2001. Years after the attacks, Charlie's college rooommate, Dr. Johnson (Don Cheadle), unexpectedly sees Charlie roaming around New York City.