Featured, Movie Reviews

‘Uncut Gems’ Review: Adam Sandler Is Brilliant; Julia Fox Steals The Show

Uncut Gems (2019)

Synopsis: A charismatic jeweler makes a high-stakes bet that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. In a precarious high-wire act, he must balance business, family and adversaries on all sides in pursuit of the ultimate win.

Thanks to A24 I was given the privilege of seeing their latest film, Uncut Gems, a month early. Uncut Gems stars Adam Sandler as Howard Ratner. As a fan of most of Sandler’s work, I was very intrigued by the trailers to this film and it went immediately on my list of must see films in 2019. So lets dive into this review.

First off I will say that just about everything in this film works and I cannot say I have one complaint. The tone of the film is very dramatic but there are moments of comedy. I would most certainly say the tone of the film is dark comedy/drama. The film also has a very 80s or early 90s aesthetic to it despite it being set in 2012 New York. I have never seen a movie from the directors of the film, Benny and Josh Safdie, but they have a unique palette that is for sure.

Uncut Gems follows the life of Howard Ratner (Sandler) who owns a jewelry shop in the diamond district of New York City. Sandler juggles a double life of family man to wife Dinah (Idina Menzel) and boyfriend to Julia (Julia Fox) with whom he shares an apartment with in the city. Howard and Dinah have a very rocky relationship that has become strained to the point of no return it seems.

When Howard is not running his jewel business he is an addicted gambler which sets the tone and events of the film. Howard is a ticking time bomb and cannot seem to get out of his own way. The film revolves around Howard trying to avoid his debtors in a game of cat and mouse and a rare opal that Howard has obtained from the mines of Ethiopia. This opal is the key to Howard getting the huge payday that he thinks can solve all of his problems. The problem is any breathing room he gets, he manages to screw up even more and dig himself deeper in trouble. Sandler really delivers in this film and its for sure one of my favorite performances from him. You are invested in his character and you are always on edge wondering how this is going to all turn out for Howard. There are times you are rooting for Howard but at the same time you can see why people feel the way they do about him which is usually hate or disdain. He is a liar and a con man, he has good intentions but they always end up hurting others around him. His wife cannot stand him and he really has no relationship with his kids.

While Sandler is a GEM, the real diamond of the film is newcomer Julia Fox. Fox makes her film debut and steals the show whenever she is on screen. Sandler always manages to get some of the most beautiful actresses to star alongside. Fox plays Julia the girlfriend of Howard and she uses her beauty as a way to drum up business for Howard. There is a scene where she tries seduce The Weeknd which goes terribly bad once Howard finds out. But Julia and Howard have this relationship where they both really rely on each other for support and there is nothing she will not do for her man. I was really impressed with Julia’s performance and believe she has a nice career ahead of her in the film/television industry should she continue to pursue those jobs.

The rest of the supporting cast deserve mention including Lakeith Stanfield who plays Howard’s friend and shady business partner, Demany. Demany brings high profile clients to Howard and also peddles cheap knock off watches out the store. Demany brings NBA star Kevin Garnett to meet Howard which is a huge part of the story. KG becomes obsessed with having the rare opal that Howard has obtained. The movie really becomes more about the relationship between Howard and KG than anyone or anything else because it will ultimately define the outcome.

My final thoughts on the film is that Uncut Gems is a must see, regardless how you feel about Adam Sandlers films. He delivers what I think might be one of his best performances ever and the supporting cast all really hit the mark. I cannot say enough great things about Julia Fox’s performance and I am not the only one who thinks she steals the show.

The movie will put you on the edge of your seat and you are never really sure where it is going to go or how it is going to turn out. The Safdie brothers created a very gritty and realistic world that at times can be over the top but you buy it. Make sure you put Uncut Gems on your must see movie list.

Rating: 5/5