Uncut Gems: Film Review

Synopsis

From Rotten Tomatoes (because this film is difficult to desribe):

From acclaimed filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie comes an electrifying crime thriller about Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score. When he makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime, Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides, in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.

Review

I loved this movie from start to finish. This film is an excellent character study, similar to this year's Joker. This movie is so stressful and anxiety-inducing. It is stressful, but because of that, this film is so engrossing. You are on the edge of your seat the whole time (I literally was). As an aside, I never thought I would understand gambling as well as I do now (I don't know if that's a good or bad thing. We'll see). The script from the Safdie Brothers is so fantastic and the script is delivered so naturally. It gives an impression of there not being a script. That is thanks to the performances. This movie top to bottom is filled with great performances from everyone from Lakieth Stanfield to Kevin Garnett, and from Eric Bogosian to Julia Fox. But the star of the show (it's basically a one-man show) is the Sandman himself, Adam Sandler. I can not believe that we are in a world where Adam Sandler can make this amazing film and Judi Dench made Cats. Adam Sandler is perfect in this film. He plays his character Howard Ratner with real grit and tenacity. It makes you wonder, where was this during Jack and Jill or The Ridiculous 6. He is Oscar-worthy in this, but I don't think that this is his year. If this had come out in 2020, he would've been a shoo-in.