I am NOT an Adam Sandler fan. Never liked him that much on SNL (he was at times humorous, of course), and his movies on the stupid end of the spectrum just annoy the snot outta me.

But then there's Reign Over Me, which I watched last night.

First of all, Don Cheadle can do no wrong for me, and this movie was no exception. Great role for him, real-feeling most of the time with some silly quirky things for effect, but overall really solid.

Second, the story here is fairly well understated, surprisingly, and as a result is very powerful in its profound sadness, which winds its way around moments that otherwise should be funny. But the writers/director do a great job of always somehow reminding you that this funny moment, this funny man played by Adam Sandler, ain't so damn funny at all.

And that brings me to Sandler. There were a couple of moments where he raised his voice and I was reminded of Big Daddy or some of his other dumbass roles, but that wasn't often. Overall, the performance he gave here raised my respect for him about 20-fold, as he plays this complete emotional wreck who has no seeming direction or any semblance of control over his anger or fear... or, ultimately, his sadness. This role was a big stretch for him, and he pulled it off well; the result is a movie that saddens and satisfies, and which truly makes you pause for a moment to evaluate what you have, and whether you know what loss or friendship truly are.

Great flick.


T.




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Couldn't agree more with that sentiment. I'll have to check out the film when I get a chance.