Uncut Gems

There has been a lot of buzz around the Safti brothers Uncut Gems and to be honest I’m not sure it warrants all of it, that’s not to say it’s a bad film, it isn’t, but maybe not a great one.

What it is, is quite a ride, it starts at a frantic pace and seems to get quicker and more frantic as we go on. The story centres around Adam Sandler’s, Howard Ratner, a jewellery dealer, certainly with all the trappings of success, but one addicted to the gamble, whether its sports or business this film is all about the thrill he has in the chase.

Sandler is perfectly cast in the central role, capturing that high octane, unpredictable and somewhat dis-likeable character perfectly. Make no mistake, this is Sandler’s film he is on screen for pretty much all of its 2hr15 running time as you are dragged along his entire ride, the highs, the lows, the huge risks and potential rewards you feel all of this is as the film closes in around Ratner and those watching,

A phrase I’ve heard describe this film is “exhausting” and you can see why, its pace is unrelenting and the way it builds tension and stress throughout is impressive. Sandler is excellent in the central role and is a fine example of how you don’t have to like a character and make no mistake Ratner is not likeable, to go with a performance or a film. There are some good supporting roles, all of which pretty minor flying around Sandlers central whirlwind, however professional basket ball player Kevin Garnett holds his own impressively as a non-actor playing a fictionalised version of himself .

Where the film did win me over was the bravery of an unexpected turn in the story with a moment that I didn’t see coming, it would have been very easy to take a more predictable route but they choose not too and should be congratulated for that.

Your enjoyment of this will probably be based upon how you take the ride, it’s high paced and a little crazy, embodied by Sandler’s performance and if you can live with that there is a film that is original enough with a performance that is interesting enough to keep you entertained, if you can’t this probably won’t be for you!