Reign Over Me

As the once-gregarious Charlie Fineman, a New Yorker who became practically catatonic after his wife and daughter died in the 9/11 attacks, Adam Sandler gives a generally affecting performance, but the Saturday Night Live alumnus seems constantly poised to do something silly, and even when Charlie periodically releases his pent-up rage and frustration, we can't help but subconsciously wonder if there will be some kind of comic payoff to his destructive outbursts. Writer-director Mike Binder provides credible balance with Don Cheadle, who's superb as Charlie's old college roommate, Alan Johnson, now a successful dentist feeling just a little bored with (and controlled by) his strong-willed wife (Jada Pinkett Smith). Alan's determination to break Charlie out of his personal prison drives the story, which also features strong support from Liv Tyler as a sensitive shrink, and Saffron Burrows, as a beautiful would-be patient with a crush on the dentist. But the film's effectiveness relies on Sandler, who offers a sincere portrayal of a difficult character but never quite sells the heavy dramatic scenes. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include a 17-minute “Behind the Reign” making-of featurette with writer-director Mike Binder, “A Still Reign” photo montage (6 min.), an extended guitar “Jam Session with Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle” (4 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a small extras package for an uneven film.] (E. Hulse)