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 :)