'Reign Over Me'

'A Harrowing Drama; Sandler astounds!'

'Reign Over Me' has been released with much skepticism. 'Reign' is Adam Sandler's first heavily dramatic role. (To be fair, he's dabbled in seriocomedy with 'Punch Drunk Love' and 'Spanglish) Sandler plays Charlie Finneman, a former dentist who has lost his family in a terrible tragedy. Charlie has sunk into a world of seclusion, set to the music of The Who's "Quadrophenia" and Bruce Springstten's "The River". Charlie speeds down the streets of New York on his motorized scooter, headphones clasped over his ears, shutting out the rest of the world. Finneman's appearance is unkempt to say the least. His hair resembles a bird's nest with curls of gray-black waving in and out.

Alan Johnson (Don Cheadle)is a dentist who feels trapped in his dental practice, and in his mariage to his wife (Jada Pinkett Smith). One day while stuck in traffic, Alan sees Charlie headphones clasped over his ears. When aproached by Alan, Charlie can't recall college. Alan insists they know each other and eventually the two develop a deep bond.

This setup sounds like a made for T.V. weepie. It is probably because of the way I described it. while all the elements of melodrama are there, director Mike Binder never seems to fall into that certain path. There are moments where he pushes the emotional accelerator, but even those work. Whether it is manipulation or craftsmanship, it works on an audience.

The acting is the best reason to seek this film out. Cheadle is at his best as always. Alan has to be normal. He has to be our vessel to view Charlie. Cheadle fills the bill and adds more than the usual straight man act.

As for Sandler, this is the best he has ever been. It is hard for me to imagine anyone else in this role. We all know he good at the manchild shtick, but when his character finally confronts the tragedy in his life Sandler can just bring you to tears.... so can the film.

Grade: A

'A Prarie Home Companion'

'Swan Song'

Robert Altman's latest, and sadly last, picture is one of joyful glee. I have not witnessed one other film this year that was filled with so much homespun joy and delicate poise. Altman has crafted a true gem, one of his best!

The film essays the last broadcast of the radio show 'A Praire Home Companion' hosted by GK. The film includes many Altman trademarks: overlapping dialouge, music and most noteably a large and capeable cast of actors.

As the singing Johnson sister, Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin show a strong report. Their duets on My Minnesota Home and Goodybye to Mama are some of the film's musical highlights. Lindsay Lohan plays Meryl Streeps daughter and does a solid job especially on her own slightly adjusted version of Frankie and Johnny. Part of me wanted to comend Lohan for taking a role in this film, then she tirns around and makes 'Just my Luck', which is a long way from this film in terms of quality ot plot.

Also in the film are classic character from Keilor's actual radio show. Dusty (Woody Harrelson) and Lefty (John C. Reily) are a couple of cowpokes who have a taste for dirty humor. And Guy Nior (A great Kevin Kline) who is a Sam Spade- esque private eye moonlighting as a security guard for the Fitzgerald theater. Noir also nararates. And of course there is GK (Garrison Keilor) the mellow main man.

Now, back to Streep. She gives a powerful performance. That's hard to do when your character is a bit of a floozy. We all know the lady can act but when she opens her mouth and begins to sing, it is a moment of genuine suprise: the lady can realy belt it!

The most remarkable acomplishment of this film is the way Altman and Keilor weave heavy themes, such as death, into a film that floats in on a breeze and brings you through a magical film. Forget hogwarts or The Lord of the Rings, this is true magic: A film about death that breathes so fully and lives so vibrantly.

Grade: A+