Reign Over Me

Reign Over Me, a rare dramatic turn for Adam Sandler, is a movie which stars Don Cheadle as an discontented dentist who finds new purpose in life when he meets up with his long lost college roommate. Falsely accused of adulterous passion (like Joseph in the Bible), Alan finds new inner strength as he devotes himself to helping Charlie face the reality of his deep sadness over losing his family in 9/11.

Bereft of his wife, daughters, and even the family dog, Charlie Fineman has isolated himself with virtual reality games like Shadow of the Colossus, record collecting, drumming, and obsessively remodeling his kitchen. He wears Bose Quiet Comfort headphones putts around on Manhattan on a fuel-powered mini-scooter. His landlady and accountant shield him from unwanted visitors. He has quit dentistry and is living off the insurance settlement from his family's deaths.

He is so cut off from his sadness that he literally does not recognize Alan Johnson, despite sharing a year or more with him in dental school. He refuses to entertain any mention of his family, professing never even to have had one.

Alan gradually reintroduces Charlie to reality, even as Charlie tries to get Alan out of his shell. They stay out late at night, overdose on "Mel", and ride tandem on Charlie's scooter. Charlie encourages Alan to stand up to his unsupportive colleagues, while Charlie struggles to get Charlie into therapy. The film's climax comes when Charlie finally lets his suppressed thoughts of his family emerge.