“THIS IS HOW I WIN”
Ever since the Safdie brothers brought us 2017 Good Time, there’s been a certain hype for them within the film community; with their unique casting and overt the top stories. Leaving us thinking: “what are they gonna do next?“.
Early this year they announce their next movie Uncut Gems with another casting choice that made us gasp; Adam Sandler as the main guy. We know him for his bad movie choices such as Jack and Jill and well, Grown ups. But, when he’s given a chance to leave the role of the goofy guy, he shines. One great example is Paul Thomas Anderson 2002 film, Punch-Drunk Love. 
Adam Sandler plays the character Howard Ratner, a New York City jeweler that is always trying to find the new big score. He makes a series of bets that could endanger his family, business and even himself. From the start of the movie, you’ll know that it is gonna be a crazy two-hour ride. The choices that Howard Stern makes and even the way he is as a person causes you to have a couple of veins pop up. It’s unbelievable how persistent he is after so many failures; but deep down as an audience you just wanna root for him because, in a sense, the film makes you feel compassion for him. Howard Ratner is literally the embodiment of chaotic energy. Meanwhile, I can’t visualize anyone else that could play this character. Adam Sandler gave one of the best performances of the year and all the praises they have given him are well deserved.
On the other hand, the other performances shined in their own little way. The actress Julia Fox debuted on this film and brought a certain charm to her character. I liked seeing Lakeith Standfield (Knives Out, Atlanta) have his memorable moments on the big screen . Even the basketball player, Kevin Garnett did a great job in his role. All of them brought their A-game into the film.
This film is not for the faint of heart. While watching it in theaters I was on the edge of my seat. Inducing levels of stress that I haven’t experienced in a long while by watching a movie. Between the choices that Howard made, characters over-speaking each other, the camera barely keeping up and even the psychedelic sounds all add up to a roller-coaster filled anxiety that doesn’t stop till the end of the film with a jaw-dropping payoff.
Uncut Gems is a movie that gives you a full adrenaline rush. every scene there’s something crazy going on and it doesn’t let you breathe until the end of the film. It’s chaotic, nerve-racking and tragic. The Sandman gives one of his best performances yet. Another win for the Safdie brothers.
I give this movie 4.5/5 diamond-encrusted furbies.
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