Don Cheadle **(Alan Johnson) plays the role of a married and well-settled dentist desperately in search of space, and a friend outside of his family. In his search for himself, he shuts his on-screen wife **(Jada Pinkett Smith)** out of certain parts of his life, and is sometimes incommunicative with her. One day, he happens to cross paths with his old college room-mate **(Adam Sandler)**, who initially refuses to recognize or even remember him. As Alan and Charlie re-unite, the plot takes you down the emotional struggles faced by Charlie, and the insurmountable loneliness he feels as the result of a great tragedy in his personal life.
Unable to cope with facing the tragedy and moving on in life, Charlie **hides behind music, games, and memories of times before the tragedy**. He shuts himself off from his job as a dentist, his friends, and the remainder of his family. Robert Klein and Melinda Dillon (Jonathan and Ginger Timpleman) play Charlie’s in-laws, who keep **pressurizing **him to make them a part of his everyday life. However, this pushes Charlie even further down into depression. Don Cheadle plays his part very well, and portrays a very trustworthy and reliable friend, father, and husband. It’s refreshing to see Adam Sandler(Charlie Fineman) in a semi-serious role, although I feel he **needs more practice**.
Jada Pinkett Smith (Mrs. Will Smith), plays Janeane Johnson (Alan’s wife on-screen).She **initially feels jealous** of the bond shared by Alan and Charlie, and is at first a bit unsupportive of Alan’s quest to bring Charlie back on track. The gorgeous **Liv Tyler**(Angela Oakhurst) plays almost a guest role as a psychiatrist and friend of Alan’s, who willingly advises him and Charlie when need be. She also comes through for Charlie as both **a friend and a doctor**, when he needs her expert advice as a witness in court. **Saffron Burrows** (Donna Remar) plays a babe-to-die-for (she’s got the look), and someone who helps Charlie move on.
The story stresses on how even in happily married couples, individuals need a bit of their own **personal space and privacy**, yet the **emotional support given by friends and loved ones** is irreplaceable, especially during times of crisis. Definitely worth a watch (atleast once) at home on TV. Enjoy :)