• Movie Preview •

Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler. Drama. Written & directed by Mike Binder (The Upside of Anger).

FILM SYNOPSIS: Former college roommates Charlie Fineman (Adam Sandler) and Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle) meet up again by chance on a Manhattan street corner. Five years after losing his family on 9/11, Charlie – once a successful dentist – has retreated from his life, and Alan is stunned to see the changes in his formerly gregarious friend. At the same time, Alan – who should be enjoying his beautiful wife, children and career – is overwhelmed by his responsibilities. Their rekindled relationship becomes a lifeline for the two men, who are both in need of a trusted friend at this pivotal moment in their lives.

PREVIEW REVIEW: By now most of my readers are well aware that I object to profane and obscene language, both from a biblical standpoint and from an artistic one. And Reign Over Me is filled to the brim with such verbiage. What’s more, there is a great deal of sexual innuendo and dialogue. These reasons will probably keep most Christians from attending. And I wouldn’t suggest otherwise. But as a film reporter, I must also tell you that it is, truly, one of the best films of 2007. Though I cringed at some of the R-rated content, I was moved to tears as I witnessed a man who understood the meaning of friendship. Sandler’s Charlie Fineman is a challenge due to his erratic behavior, yet Cheadle’s Alan Johnson never gives up on him. And in his way, Charlie also comes through for his one and only friend.

The film taught me a great deal about compassion and patience when it comes to relationships. Extremely well acted, with good pacing, writer/director Mike Binder brings a sorely needed grownup subject to the screen. Reign Over Me is sensitive, with a deeply moving parable about friendship. I probably won’t view it again, due to some profane use of God’s name, but I pray that I will take to heart the lessons it teaches concerning compassion for my fellow man.

Video Alternative: Of Mice and Men. The 1992 version with Gary Sinise and John Malkovich is terrific, but it also contains some objectionable language. The 1939 version with Lon Chaney, Jr. and Burgess Meredith is exceptional and lacks any profanity. This fine adaptation of the John Steinbeck novel is a morality tale about friendship. Though it is an old film, everything about it is top drawer, including a memorable score by Aaron Copeland.

Distributor: Sony Pictures