Uncut Gems - A Movie Review

Better watch how you make your bets or you’ll end up like Howard Ratner.

Uncut Gems is a 2019 film about a devious scheming New York City jeweler who wraps himself up in a bet that has dire consequences. Howard has to figure out a way to approach his enemies as he juggles with life struggles and his own sanity.

Before catching this movie on the big screen I learned from critics that Uncut Gems could be one of Adam Sandler’s best acting roles. And boy, is this a film to walk out of the theater feeling some weight lift off your shoulders. Uncut Gems is an intense ride through a man’s tormented conscience who you both despise and yet root for at the same time.

I am impressed with Adam Sandler’s performance as this vulgar man who lies and cheats his way through life. Yet he is suffering from the toxic people he makes a living around. This is a role like no other. Sandler gave every ounce of vulgarity and manic-driven behavior as Howard. One of the best parts about Sandler’s performance is his devotion to the people who he is close with, knowing that he is a bad person and they deserve better.

Uncut Gems has an ensemble of actors with different acting capabilities. For some, it’s their screen debut, while the film tests actors to a whole new level then what they are used to. Every actor needs to experiment with a role that is the complete opposite of what they’d normally play.

For her first movie, Julia Fox was excellent. I know she is going to go far after her role as Howard’s mistress. Kieth Williams Richards, Tommy Kominick, and LaKeith Stanfield’s scenes were filled with immense dialogue right from the start. And expect an appearance by basketball player, Kevin Garnet.

When I saw Idina Menzel’s name appear on the screen, I immediately sat forward in my seat, intrigued by what this phenomenal actress would bring to the movie. In a role that completely contrasts her history on the Broadway stage and Disney, Menzel plays the wife of Howard, biting her tongue, displeased with her marriage. However, she finally gets the chance to let loose her disgust in one of the best and funniest scenes of the film.

For the most part, Uncut Gems is a tense film to sit through. Be warned that this is the seventh film in history with the most F-bombs, calculating to 408! Right from the beginning, the dialogue is right in your face with people talking over each other, interrupting conversations, and all sorts of loud banter.

It’s a very different film than what moviegoers are normally used to. Myself included. I have to admit that I felt this immense weight lift off my shoulders once there were quieter moments until the arguing picked up again. You can just feel the stress and pressure bouncing right off the screen.

Bennie Safdie and Josh Safdie made a film that makes you happy that you’re not Howard Ratner. Audiences are taught about how to make good decisions as Howard is endlessly pursued, beaten, and accused.

When I say that this movie was intense, I mean that it is an intense film. However, I am glad that I went to see it because its a movie that makes one see a very different point of view. The film had its funny moments. Adam Sandler is the best part. Uncut Gems is not for all audiences. If you would like to see it, take a look at the trailer, and catch it in theaters.