This follows a former dentist (Adam Sandler) who lost his wife and three daughters in the 9/11 attacks. He has cocooned himself in a world of denial until his existence is punctured by an old college roommate (Don Cheadle) who tries to resume their friendship. Written and directed by Mike Binder, whose The Upside of Anger also delicately explored grief, Reign Over Me never feels gimmicky, despite its unlikely star. The movie is honest enough not to deliver that climactic, “breakthrough” moment. Instead, it touches on the possibility of little breakthroughs, and sometimes follows them up with major setbacks. In other words, this shies away from instant therapy in favor of the rhythm of real life.
