Distributor: Ster Kinekor
Rating:***
Film: It seems Sandler will never outgrow the typecast curse.
In this mushy movie that falls short of being a tear-jerker, the big kid plays Charlie, a scooter-riding bereaved man who is deemed to have lost his marbles after 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers render him wifeless and childless.
After four years of virtual solitude, he is spotted by an college roommate, Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle). What follows is a lengthy, borderline psychotic path to finding themselves. The friends use each other as crutches, playing video games, staying out late and playing loud rock 'n roll in Charlie's apartment, until they can stand alone.'
The story, though a tad long, is appreciated for the dramatic, yet amiable occurrences. The laughs are also appreciated when things get a little depressing.
The supporting actresses are odd choices. Jada Pinkett Smith is Johnson's wife and is underused in that role. Liv Tyler plays a therapist who always looks hungry. In a word, Liv is boring. But Reign Over Me is still worth a look.
Features: Behind-the-scenes, trailers, photos from the film, a jam session with Cheadle and Sandler on guitars.