UNCUT GEMS


I’m not an Adam Sandler fan, but Sandler somehow conjures up the performance of his life in Uncut Gems. Sandler plays manic Howard Ratner, a New York City jeweler. Howard is a compulsive gambler (he loves NBA games!) and his betting losses have landed him in trouble with loan sharks and the thugs they employ as “debt collectors.”

I have never seen a more exhausting movie! Howard is hyper and constantly wheeling-and-dealing. Directors Josh and Benny Safdie ratchet up the action and stress in every scene. I thought Idina Mensel (of “Let It Go” FROZEN fame) gave a convincing performance as Howard’s long-suffering wife who’s ready to let Howard go and end their marriage. I loved Julia Fox, Howard’s mistress, as she both excites Howard and drives him crazy. And Boston Celtic great, Kevin Garnett (who plays himself), delivers a slam-dunk performance. The New York City Diamond District sparkles in this film. As Patti Abbott has pointed out, Uncut Gems is violent–but it will leave you breathless! GRADE: B+

8 thoughts on “UNCUT GEMS

  1. Patti Abbott

    The sound editing must have been so difficult with everyone talking over each other. Hope he/she gets an award. Liked the use of non-professionals.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Patti, you’re right about the sound difficulties. Sometimes three conversations were going on at the same time. I can’t imagine what the CLOSED CAPTION version will be like!

      Reply
  2. Steve Oerkfitz

    I’m going to see this tomorrow. Not a Sandler fan although I do like Punch Drunk Love which is atypical Sandler. I thought his opera man on SNL the worst recurring character on that show.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Steve, I have similar feelings about Adam Sandler. But Sandler’s role in UNCUT GEMS is a revelation. You’ll leave the movie theater breathless!

      Reply

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