Uncut Gems

An uncompromising, frenetically edited dialogue cannonade, focusing on a narrow time span in the main character's life. Similar in concept and similarly frantic and unhinged as Joel Schumacher's Phone Booth. The essential difference is that while Phone Booth switches to a "meaningful" conclusion at the end and touches on the emotional arc of realizing life's mistakes and wrong actions, the protagonist in Uncut Gems has nothing of the sort, so we need to look at other parameters. For example, the haunting soundtrack, Sandler in a very atypical role for him as a Jewish merchant, Julia Fox (hopefully she'll get more roles), and the convoluted, volatile but well thought out story. A small, controversial film for connoisseurs who appreciate a filmmaker’s unconventional approach. (03/14/2020)

Like Good Time, Uncut Gems is a movie self-absorbed in its own showiness, but this time the formal tricks are more effective in engaging the viewer into the never-ending tangle of the swearing, the questionable decisions and the persecution that characterise and shape the protagonist. The highly subjective narration that hardly leaves the hysterical Howard creates, together with his questionable nature, a very unpredictable chain of events where every gleam of hope is repeatedly negated by another stupid decision, which smartly culminates in a black-humorous but incredibly raw and dynamic climax. Adam Sandler is perfect, and perfectly cast, few others can handle unstable characters as well as he does. The music is irritating at times, but after a while it merges with the unorthodox focus. I doubt I will ever watch it again, but to watch once it’s almost perfect. 85% (02/03/2020)

A treat for the connoisseur. Bursting with energy, like a roller coaster ride, extremely immersive, with a hypnotic soundtrack. The vast majority of today's mainstream cinema has been boring me for the last few years because it's so predictable and formulaic in its approach, so I’m grateful for any film that manages to surprise, goes its own way, and yet is so different, distinctive, and doesn't care that only a small group of viewers will appreciate it. Safdie Bros, thank you so much! I thought I'd never see anything like this in today's deluge of Marvel and comic book crap. And Sandler, as much as I don’t like him, was fantastic here. (02/04/2020)

Uncut Gems is almost unpleasant to watch. A spiral of self-destruction (with the very best intentions, of course) with the excellent Sandler in the lead role. The incredible pressure of an evil and raucous world conveyed through the “hero" to the viewer with unbelievable intensity. Lies, crooked deals, basketball, gambling, infidelity and contempt and the entire world plotting against one person who deserves it like no other (but you’ll still be keeping your fingers crossed for him at the end). A morality tale about gambling and something extra, and a reflection of modern times. (02/04/2020)

The best directorial feat by the Safdie brothers and the best serious role by Adam Sandler, who fits the part like a glove. It's a very whiny film without any positive characters. Sandler owed perhaps everything he looked at and I thoroughly enjoyed his crazy gamble. Julia Fox was also great to watch, she is an unknown actress to me, but I was wiping saliva off the table during the garter scene. The finale is intense and unexpected. I enjoyed it. PS: the scene with The Weeknd was fun.8/10. (01/21/2020)