Back in 2017 Joshua & Benny Safdie the New York born & raised, Syrian/Jewish directing duo broke out on the scene with Good Time, a modern crime thriller with an outstanding performance from Robert Pattinson with a complex story. The brothers returned to deliver their next project in Uncut Gems which has similarities to Good Time as it takes place in the heart of New York City (Diamond district) and features an unlikable protagonist (at first). Adam Sandler, who has a rough reputation with critics and general audiences because of his recent Netflix movies and the quality they have, was a surprising choice for this movie to say the least. But when you look at what the story entails, and how the character of Howard Ratner (the Jewelry store owner/compulsive gambler) keeps on digging himself into a bigger hole, again and again and again, it is almost perfect to say the least.
With a character who isn’t the best dad, cheats on his wife (with four kids) constantly places bets on basketball games, and borrows’ money from EVERYONE-especially his own family, it makes it really difficult to root for someone like that. But Sandler brings a particular charm to Howard throughout the movie that makes you root for him and makes you want to see him get out of any dangerous situation. There are many moments in the film that leave you guessing and feeling anxious with what is going to happen as the intensity keeps you completely glued to the screen. The Safdie’s have such a grasp on escalating tension that takes its time to build just enough to its crescendo, no matter the situation or the setting.
If you are a sports fan (particularly the NBA) then you will have a great time with Uncut Gems as the whole story circulates around the 2012 Eastern Divisional conference series with the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers and its outcome with how it relates to the plot. Along with Sandler the film also includes some fun cameos from one of the best musical artist’s in the game, The Weekend & former NBA Champion with the Boston Celtics Kevin Garnett. Besides Sandler the other big breakout performance of the movie is Julia Fox who plays Howard’s girlfriend who does well with what she was given while not seeming one dimensional. The editing does not feel as frantic as their previous movie as the story is stretched out a little more but it didn’t feel long at all.
Apparently Jonah Hill was cast in the main role back when the film was announced and I am glad that they went in a different direction. Adam Sandler just has a natural instinct to draw sympathy despite doing all of the ridiculous and crazy things that he does in the film, and that takes a very particular talent (not saying anything bad about Johan Hill). Some of the liberties and story directions that are taken pay off in a very big way and it hit’s you very hard particularly in the third act of the movie. Say what you want about Howard Ratner but what I took away from the movie was that he wanted to win, no matter the cost. And that is something that everyone can aspire to because life has a way to not go in your favor sometimes. This movie left me thinking a lot about what I experienced while watching it and that is something that I always enjoy with any film.
The Verdict