Iffy for 15+
Grief-stricken Adam Sandler deals with 9/11.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this isn't an Adam Sandler comedy. Rather, it's a drama about a man's ongoing response to losing his family on 9/11. For much of the film, Sandler's character is ragged-looking, distraught, aggressive, and foul-mouthed -- though he can also be charming in a childish way. His visits to a therapist are mostly sad, as is his eventual lengthy description of his loss. There's lots of swearing and derogatory slang, as well as discussion of suicide (one nearly successful attempt is shown), insanity, institutionalization, and oral sex. Some yelling, pushing, and hitting takes place during a fight, and minor drinking in bar leads to an argument.
- Families can talk about the lingering effects of 9/11 on our culture. How have the media treated the event? How do tragic stories and images help us work through emotional wounds? How does Donna's trauma affect her differently than Charlie's affects him? Why do you think Charlie is so fond of popular culture that reminds him of his youth (comics, '80s bands, video games, etc.)? How does the media help define an era?
The good stuff
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Messages: Various traumas produce various effects: a widower behaves "badly," using inappropriate language and aggression with his friend; his in-laws try to have him committed; a woman becomes obsessed with sex; and a suffocated husband becomes angry. All reconcile, neatly, by film's end.
What to watch for
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Violence: References to 9/11 (none visual) make Charlie and other characters upset; a character's father dies, causing grief; video game shooting, exploding, crashing; Charlie pushes and hits Alan; Charlie pulls a gun on a cabbie, hoping that nearby cops will shoot him ("suicide by cop") -- instead, they tackle him.
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Sex: Woman offers her dentist oral sex in his office, then stalks him, returning to see him and threatening him with a harassment lawsuit (discussion of this problem includes body part names and slangy words and phrases like "penis," "she wants to do down on me," "she wants to blow you"); when Charlie visits a therapist, he talks about her "tits."
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Language: Frequent uses of "f--k" and "s--t", plus "ass," "asshole," "damn," "sucks," "bitch," "p---y," "chrissake," and "hell." A lengthy barrage of insults includes repeated uses of "faggot." Other phrases include "suck my ass, retard!" and "he's a giant dork!" A movie-within-the-movie screening of Blazing Saddles includes a bleeped-out series of jokes using the "N" word (the audience laughs at the jokes).
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Consumerism: Starbucks, Shadow of the Colossus video game, Colonel Sanders (stand up display in an apartment), Captain America, many mentions of bands (Pretenders, The Who, Bruce Springsteen) and a Mel Brooks marathon.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Beer drinking in bar, wine drinking in restaurant.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
heart-wrenching and real. by rosettamarie
There are countless movies that portray the struggle of facing one's own past, of bottling up emotions, and of searching for an authentic relationship with another person. Reign Over Me, however, stands out from the crowd in its achievements in storyline and acting. This is not a 9/11 piece, but rather a beautiful story about friendship, relationships, and the necessity of communication. As the film began, I found myself trying to analyze the lives of the characters, but as the movie progressed, it became so much more than the darkness in them. The film is more about what they come to find within themselves and how they grow to interact with others. Not to mention that Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle are fantastic actors... Sandler especially shines in a role filled with raw emotion and internal struggle. It's amazing how Mike Binder enables us to see and understand the characters on the levels at which they themselves attempt to be understood. A must-see, touching film.
5
Forget it's an Adam Sandler Movie. by EmoryJ
The toughest thing about going to see an Adam Sandler movie is getting over the expectation stereotype for what you're likely to see him doing in the film. There have been glimpses of his dramatic abilities to date, but most of what we've seen is "Opera Guy" wearing different costumes. If you're looking for that guy, don't waste your money.
But, if you're looking for a smart and beautiful film with great acting, cinematography and dialogue......grab a smart and deep date and
make haste to catch this film while it's still on the big screen.
In Reign Over Me, while A.S. does get a chance to "act out" from time to time, and there are a few "Sandlerisms", they're all - for the first time - within the construct of a multi-dimensional character whose situation and surroundings call for them - without having them define the scope of his work in the film or the reason why he was cast.
EmJ
4
Get past it... by Millerfam2001
...you know, Adam Sandler in an unexpected role, he does a fantastic job in this movie. I watched it expecting it to be laborious and boring, but was enthralled by the ease in which he portrayed the role. Absolutely a movie for anyone looking for a tug on the heart strings. Sat up after watching it and had to say out loud, "that was a great movie."
3
Great acting! by heathergray
Not the typical Adam SAndler Movie, but GREAT acting on all parts!
5
Reign Over Me Reigns Tall. by Moviedude
Reign Over Me is a pleasant surprise of a movie that,I hope more people will see when it comes out on DVD,if they missed it in the theatres.The movie has great acting by Don Cheadle,and especially Adam Sandler.This isn't your typical Adam Sandler slapstick comedy,rather it is a dark drama,and a very powerful one.This is probably his best film performance of his career.This movie does have some comedy though.Some parts had me laughing out loud it was so funny.Definitely if you haven't seen it see it.
5
A Truly Great Film by jsttsl
I was blown away by Adam Sandler in this movie. He's amazing! Don Cheadle is amazing! This movie really took me away and I fell right into the story line. One of my easily top 20 movies of all time! If you have not seen this movie, you HAVE TO RENT IT!! In fact, just go buy it because I know you'll love it. It's one of the movies that completely sucks you in and you can't help but cheer at the end! Do I dare say it..........yes he deserves it! An Oscar performance by the multitalented Adam Sandler.
5
Great Movie!! by jenilee94
This movie was very good. Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle were fanstastic. This move had me laughing and crying. It was very moving.
4
Reign over me by kristinahockman
Was a little slow but a good movie.