Directors: Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie
Stars: Adam Sandler, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett
Rated R for pervasive strong language, violence, some sexual content and brief drug use
“Uncut Gems” is a crime drama directed by the Safdie Brothers and starring Adam Sandler, as Howard, as a New York jeweler who is trying to sell off a precious gem in order to pay off his outstanding debts. The film showcase how things can spiral out of control of a man who is way over his head and does his best to keep order of the situation at hand.
With that in mind, “Uncut Gems” is a character study on Howard and how he tried to maintain his debts. He pawns off items that are not his and uses that money to pay off one debt. He also gambles away money he doesn’t own and we feel a bit sympathetic for the character. Howard is clearly over his head and will do anything to clear off one debt and somehow collect another. It can be compared to someone using a credit card to pay off another credit.
The reason why we sympathize with this character is because somehow Adam Sandler plays the character as a likable idiot. Sandler gives a strong performance in which the likes we haven’t seen before. Adam Sandler has been in so many duds over the years, its refreshing to see Sandler in a serious role as he has done have years ago. Sandler is great when given the right material and this is a role that fits Sandler perfectly.
“Uncut Gems” also features a rather bizarre, yet fitting score. Daniel Lopatin incorporates synths into his score to give the film an as 80’s feel to it. In any other other film, it would not have worked, but it works perfectly in multiple scenes to create tension and awe for the opening and closing of the film.
Overall, “Uncut Gems” is an enjoyable time due to the acting, score, and tension that is in the film.Yeah, the film is a bit too long and there are some things I didn’t like as much, but there is still enjoyment to be had.
3/4
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