Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

  • Starring: Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith
  • Summary: Former college roommates Charlie Fineman (Sandler) and Alan Johnson (Cheadle) meet up again by chance on a Manhattan street corner. Five years after losing his family on 9/11, Charlie 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. (Columbia Pictures) Collapse
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 33
  2. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. The incredibly moving post-9/11 drama Reign Over Me proves that behind the funny guy facades of former standup comedians Mike Binder and Adam Sandler are a pair of very serious talents.
  2. Reviewed by: John DeFore
    80
    It doesn't exploit our emotions about Sept. 11; it simply tells a story that exists because of what happened that day -- one that should resonate with a wide, appreciative audience.
  3. Reviewed by: Helen O'Hara
    60
    Cheadle's finest hour and proof that Sandler can act. Funny, sad and flawed -- like its characters.
  4. 38
    Veering between sentimentality and exploitation with a few misguided stops at raunchy sex farce, Reign Over Me never finds a tone to suit its purpose.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 39
  2. Negative: 3 out of 39
  1. JasonE.
    10
    I honestly cannot understand why critics have been so mediocre towards this movie. It is possibly the most real, human drama I've seen in a very long. Every single actor in this movie is brilliant, and the writing is honest and natural. Far better than the standard overdramatic drivel you'll find critics praising much more readily. Expand
  2. GlennP.
    8
    Sandler surprised me, because I laughed not at the outrageousness of the few comedic bits but at the genuine irony of the fun Charlie and Johnson were having in the midst of such profound grief. I really enjoyed this movie. Viewer should be forewarned that the R rating is deserved, so this is not a film for kids at all. Expand
  3. A deep, compelling drama that might not interest many but delivers satisfaction if you stay tuned 'till the end. Not used to seeing Adam Sandler in a different pair of shoes which might keep you in zone seeing something so.. odd. Expand
  4. MitchM.
    4
    I plead guilty to having an adverse reaction to anything Adam Sandler is in. That being admitted up front, sitting through this was still a slow torture. I recognize the good intentions and considerable talents that were part of the production, but it never achieved the well-deserved catharsis of a great tragedy, and even fell into that hollywood cliche of portraying madness as an exalted and "special" state of awareness, by matchmaking Sandler and the psycho woman at the end and wrapping a neat little pink bow around it to suggest that they would be a great couple because of their cumulative madness. Expand

See all 39 User Reviews

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