Uncut Gems

0

waynegirlDec 27, 2019

We have never walked out of a movie before this one. The characters were all annoying, the plot non-existent, and a constant barrage of profanity, all for no reason at all. This isn't a crime thriller, so don't get sucked in. EveryoneWe have never walked out of a movie before this one. The characters were all annoying, the plot non-existent, and a constant barrage of profanity, all for no reason at all. This isn't a crime thriller, so don't get sucked in. Everyone looks bad in this movie so prepare to be offended.… Expand

6 of 15 users found this helpful69

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7

The3AcademySinsDec 27, 2019

Uncut Gems could have been cut. While I love the break neck pace, and the unrelenting, constantly building anxiety, there were several story elements that could have been cut to make a more streamlined, tightly focused feature. I am a big fanUncut Gems could have been cut. While I love the break neck pace, and the unrelenting, constantly building anxiety, there were several story elements that could have been cut to make a more streamlined, tightly focused feature. I am a big fan of Good Time, the first film by the Safdie Brothers, and I honestly think Uncut Gems is just a messier, less focused Good Time.

That being said, I was a huge fan of Adam Sandler's performance. It really was one of the best of the year, and he capably carries the movie on his shoulders. Kevin Garnett has a breakout performance that I really enjoyed, and the performances of Lakeith Stanfield and Eric Bogosian were excellent additions to the cast. The score is great, and the cinematography is really well done. I loved how the titular gem in the movie was given such mythical properties by the characters.

Overall, Uncut Gems is not a bad movie at all. It just wasn't my favorite of the year.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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9

DukeCumberjackDec 27, 2019

It's a very good movie about a bunch of complete degenerates. If that doesn't sound appealing, this probably isn't for you.

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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0

OlivierPielDec 27, 2019

Was this movie made by someone on cocaine -I mean aside Sandler-? After 20 min in, I had to pause. Even a kid with acute ADHD would think Sandler needs to calm down. This is insanity...that so many people call this cinema, yet alone give thisWas this movie made by someone on cocaine -I mean aside Sandler-? After 20 min in, I had to pause. Even a kid with acute ADHD would think Sandler needs to calm down. This is insanity...that so many people call this cinema, yet alone give this nonsense a 90 score!… Expand

8 of 22 users found this helpful814

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3

MarkHReviewsDec 27, 2019

Act One of “Uncut Gems” includes footage from a colonoscopy. It’s by far the most probing, thoughtful, well-paced and illuminating scene in the film.

This film was written and directed by the Safdie Brothers, the current “next big thing” inAct One of “Uncut Gems” includes footage from a colonoscopy. It’s by far the most probing, thoughtful, well-paced and illuminating scene in the film.

This film was written and directed by the Safdie Brothers, the current “next big thing” in movie-making. Their 2017 film “Good Time” with Robert Pattinson was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or, the highest prize at Cannes. Their films have been described by “Variety” as “raucously interior inner-city films” that are “contemporary, raw and untethered.”

“Uncut Gems” has been ten years in the making. It is based on family lore told by the Safdies’ father, who worked in the diamond district of New York City. The film’s central character, Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), is a diamond merchant and compulsive gambler doing everything he can to stay one step ahead of the debt collectors. Howard imports a blood opal from Africa in the body of a fish, he makes wildly implausible bets on NBA games, he gets locked naked in the trunk of his own car while attending his daughter’s school play, he gets thrown into a fountain. After that, the action picks up. Unfortunately, it’s all just mania in search of a purpose.

While some moviegoers may experience this film as one long adrenaline rush, for me the frantic pace and too-close hand-held cameras were simply exhausting. The film offers zero character development – Howard is apparently genetically incapable of introspection, much less learning from his incessant mistakes. In fairness, there is one moment of personal insight in Act Three. Of course, this flash of self-awareness is discarded immediately. The film’s climactic scene is shocking, but completely unearned.

We all know people like Howard – people who use baseless bravado to hide their insecurity, people who are so self-absorbed they either don’t know or don’t care about the carnage they inflict on family and friends as the lurch through life. In that sense, “Uncut Gems” is an accurate slice of life. But that doesn’t make this film insightful or profound. It just adds to our trauma as we’re forced to observe the fast-moving train wreck. The dialogue is staggering in its self-indulgence. If the f-bombs were removed, the running time would be about 20 minutes. The profanity isn’t shocking or offensive, just monotonous.

My guess is that this is one of those films that is adored by professional film critics, but will generate “Huh? What?” from a lot of regular movie-goers. If that’s the case, “Uncut Gems” almost makes me believe in populism.… Expand

3 of 14 users found this helpful311

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2

CMCDec 26, 2019

Very unpleasant movie with Sandler the only attraction. I was with my wife so I laid low but I would have walked out otherwise. The filmmaking is heavy-handed, with really obnoxious aggressive sound. Most of the anxiety that you read in theVery unpleasant movie with Sandler the only attraction. I was with my wife so I laid low but I would have walked out otherwise. The filmmaking is heavy-handed, with really obnoxious aggressive sound. Most of the anxiety that you read in the various User reviews is being strapped into a theater seat while being bombarded with aggressive sound and quick shots. Really, you can miss this one. See the trailer, you will get to enjoy Sandler as much as you can there, and then devote the rest of your 135 minutes to something more edifying.… Expand

4 of 14 users found this helpful410

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8

MrottmannDec 26, 2019

Tense movie loved it. Made my chest hurt my wife bite her fingers. Just as good as good time if not better. Adam Sandler's performance was amazing.

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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3

DaflabearDec 26, 2019

It is a waste of celluloid. I cannot believe this is getting some much favorable ink. The ending is absurd, but then again so is this entire mess of a movie. It is completely absurd that this character has a successful business in spite ofIt is a waste of celluloid. I cannot believe this is getting some much favorable ink. The ending is absurd, but then again so is this entire mess of a movie. It is completely absurd that this character has a successful business in spite of his insane gambling habits.… Expand

8 of 19 users found this helpful811

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3

matisyahuDec 24, 2019

Not going to lie - not sure how this movie got an 89 from the critics. It's an unpleasant movie, as it's pretty hard to cheer for a degenerate gambler who continues to dig himself into bigger holes. Almost plays out like a PSA for gamblersNot going to lie - not sure how this movie got an 89 from the critics. It's an unpleasant movie, as it's pretty hard to cheer for a degenerate gambler who continues to dig himself into bigger holes. Almost plays out like a PSA for gamblers anonymous. Not sure what the hype is with these Safdieh brothers, they have a tendency to rip off elements from Brian De Palma, including over the top synths/ominous music over situations that don't really deserve the degree of tension they're trying to create. The protagonist is such a victim of his own making, however, that you don't really feel much sympathy for him which in turn makes the stakes pretty low. Sandler's dynamic with his stripper mistress felt like a cliché ripoff from a lot of other movies I have seen previously. Spike Lee's, "The 25th Hour" is a much better film with similar themes, yet is much more watchable. There's one scene in particular (no spoiler) where it just oozes of Sandler angling for that GG/Oscar nomination and lacks authenticity in terms of how the film progresses. Kevin Garnett doesn't bring much in terms of humorous dialogue or real acting chops, either. There were very few laughs in my theater, as well. Critics will drink the Safdieh juice and Sandler playing a more serious character, but I predict there will be a gap in terms of how audiences respond.… Expand

11 of 23 users found this helpful1112

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1

TyphoonLouDec 25, 2019

Probably the most STRESSFUL movie for my wife and I to watch in our entire adult life. Poorly written story line filled with constant yelling and swearing. So bad we had to walk out half way through the movie. We love Adam as an actor butProbably the most STRESSFUL movie for my wife and I to watch in our entire adult life. Poorly written story line filled with constant yelling and swearing. So bad we had to walk out half way through the movie. We love Adam as an actor but this movie was too ghetto even for him.… Expand

6 of 18 users found this helpful612

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10

bmaster4616Dec 25, 2019

Might 5 be Sandler’s best performance with the greatness of punch drunk and the funny parts of Sandler, the role fits. It’s pretty cool film that always keeps you paying attention while it goes 1000 every minute

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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9

moviemitch96Dec 24, 2019

HOLY (insert expletive here!!!!) This has got to be the most anxiety-inducing film I've seen in a LONG time! In this film, Adam Sandler plays a charismatic New York jeweler, who finds himself in over his head with several gambling debts heHOLY (insert expletive here!!!!) This has got to be the most anxiety-inducing film I've seen in a LONG time! In this film, Adam Sandler plays a charismatic New York jeweler, who finds himself in over his head with several gambling debts he owes to various loan sharks and criminals throughout the city. In order to pay his debts, he must resort to desperate measures, such as pawning or selling various valuables, including a beautiful opal stone, and even betting thousands of dollars on Kevin Garnett in Celtics games. Sandler definitely plays against type in this film, ditching his silly comedy and slapstick humor he's become so associated with (for better or worse.) However, some of his humor and style does squeak in a little here and there, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a more dramatic and tense context, which this film carries in spades! He's never been better and finds a great balance for his character, cheeky and carefree at times, but also no-nonsense in others. Other familiar faces include Idina Menzel as his wife, and Celtics player Kevin Garnett as himself. Storywise, it kept me thoroughly anxious for nearly the whole time, as I constantly kept wondering how he'd be able to get himself out of various situations throughout the film. The pace gradually picks up speed, and my feelings of nervousness and anticipation only increased as the film progressed, while the film's final five minutes or so literally making my jaw drop! Overall, it's dazzling, tense, and doesn't let up until the very end! And what's more, it's undoubtedly a surprising and impressive change of pace and showcase for Sandler, who truly delivers an unforgettable career-best performance!… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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1

genuinerealistDec 24, 2019

Don't let the critical lemmings fool you. This is a BAD movie. It has one of the worst soundtracks I have ever heard. Voiceovers were a hallmark of Robert Altman - but this is nothing BUT voiceovers. There isn't a single likeable character,Don't let the critical lemmings fool you. This is a BAD movie. It has one of the worst soundtracks I have ever heard. Voiceovers were a hallmark of Robert Altman - but this is nothing BUT voiceovers. There isn't a single likeable character, or a single positive moment. There are no jokes, or wit, or lightness. The movie is all noise and motion, and devoid of life.… Expand

12 of 24 users found this helpful1212

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6

Unfounded_prodDec 21, 2019

Nice story, big performance from the unexpected Adam Sandler BUT this movie is a big disappointment when it s time to close the book. It goes into a narrative facility and destroy itself.

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

FilMMManiacDec 19, 2019

Wonderful shocking new side of Adam Sandler. The film was Everything movies used to be it took you into the story made you fell like you knew the character and you didn't want it to end but all good things come to an end it respect for theWonderful shocking new side of Adam Sandler. The film was Everything movies used to be it took you into the story made you fell like you knew the character and you didn't want it to end but all good things come to an end it respect for the way it ended even though you didn't want it to end that way. was a beautiful performance by Adam Sandler.I almost don't want to see him do comedy's after this. As for supporting actress Julia Fox there's a star in the rise Bravo on a side note she would make a bad ass Black widow black cat in Spiderman or Catwoman very strong beautiful actress.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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8

CinemaCrushDec 18, 2019

The Safdie brothers nailed it. You've got high intensity, quick claustrophobic cuts that really bring out the dire situations of Howard (Sandler), who will most justly and most likely pick up some best actor noms as well as some winsThe Safdie brothers nailed it. You've got high intensity, quick claustrophobic cuts that really bring out the dire situations of Howard (Sandler), who will most justly and most likely pick up some best actor noms as well as some wins elsewhere, and I'd not be surprised to see the screenplay up for awards. Certainly deserving. This film knocks on many doors. Not just gambling and gems. There's worldly social commentary, a little bit of Jewish history and modern culture.// You're a fly on the wall to the method of Howards madness, and no matter how tumultuous, you'll never want to get off his ride, even when you know he's wrong. Sandler sold it solid, with a great a surprising ensemble cast paving the way for him to shine. I see a little later-Lumet in this film, and some sprinkling of David O Russell. But inspirations aside, this film does anything but rip on it, but rather creates a new 21 century film, through unique editing, cuts keep the story always cresting, and one more time, Sandler kills. Knocks em dead. I give it a solid 8/10.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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9

mgoldie12Dec 17, 2019

This movie is either Adam Sandler yelling **** at people, Adam Sandler being yelled **** at by people, or often both at the same time. And its awesome. Most fun movie of the year, I can watch this over and over again.

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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3

GabrielnLADec 17, 2019

I wanted to see Bombshell, my friend didn't want to watch a movie where Megyn Kelly is a victim, so we went to Uncut Gems instead. "It's supposed to be one of the best movies of the year," my friend said. And sure enough, the reviews areI wanted to see Bombshell, my friend didn't want to watch a movie where Megyn Kelly is a victim, so we went to Uncut Gems instead. "It's supposed to be one of the best movies of the year," my friend said. And sure enough, the reviews are mostly glowing. And yet...I left the theater with a headache when it was over. As a story, it's...kind of interesting? As a character piece...it's not very interesting? And as a cinematic experience...it's mostly annoying. Sandler is absolutely believable as an idiot unable to help himself (and by help himself, I mean stop himself from making one bad decision after another). There's no character development, though, and every supporting character is just a caricature of a human being. I don't think I've ever been to a movie where every character on screen spends the majority of the time screaming and yelling at each other this much. Half the time, if somebody on screen would have just shut the hell up for a second, maybe they'd have been able to resolve the current conflict. And those conflicts just kept coming; as did the yelling. (I kind of want someone to watch this film just to count the number of "F*cks" in this movie. It's literally every other word out of Sandler's mouth; and I mean "literally" as the dictionary defines it, not how millennials use it.)
Sandler starts at 11 here (well, technically he starts the film unconscious in a doctor's office) and just stays there. There's one moment of nuance, of self-reflection by his character, where he realizes he's just one giant messed up idiot, but it lasts for about a minute, and then he goes right back to his factory default settings.
When Indina Menzel's character (she plays Sandler's wife) says something like, "I'd be happy never seeing you again," I thought, "Same." I couldn't wait for all the yelling to stop.… Expand

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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10

ThwompthingDec 17, 2019

Didn't find one flaw in this film. The ending was unexpected and sad, but definitely powerful and real. The gambling business can be very dangerous and if you watch this film you'll see why. Must watch movie and one of the best of theDidn't find one flaw in this film. The ending was unexpected and sad, but definitely powerful and real. The gambling business can be very dangerous and if you watch this film you'll see why. Must watch movie and one of the best of the year. Definitely oscar worthy for next year.… Expand

24 of 44 users found this helpful2420

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2

shoulderoforionDec 17, 2019

Just like the last Safdie brothers movie I tried to watch GOODTIME, I had to turn this off within it's first hour. I don't know if this is a new style of moviemaking but I can't deal with a loud incongruous musical score laying so heavilyJust like the last Safdie brothers movie I tried to watch GOODTIME, I had to turn this off within it's first hour. I don't know if this is a new style of moviemaking but I can't deal with a loud incongruous musical score laying so heavily over loud fast talking/shouting dialogue, it makes my brain crazy. Guess I'm getting old, don't know.… Expand

7 of 19 users found this helpful712

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4

everettDec 17, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sandler was terrific, but in a role that required very little more than near-constant frenetic energy - so repetitive that I barely made it through the first hour. I hung in there because of all the rave reviews, and in the end I wished I hadn't. There's too much here that's "cool" and far too little that's actually good. Did I root for this guy? Yes, by the second hour I did. But at the end, I should've cared a lot more. The rest of the characters ranged from stereotypes to ... more stereotypes. Other than Sandler, there's little here to redeem two hours and fifteen minutes - except for this caution: Don't trust reviews, especially when it comes to opportunities for reviewers to fall all over cool directors as a way of proving how cool they are too.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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8

JLuis_001Dec 16, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Adam Sandler's best performance? No. But it's indeed his best since Punch-Drunk Love, which continues to be the pinnacle of his talent.

While the film isn't the best talking about technique, it seems to me that its style is totally focused on making the experience an exhausting one. And Uncut Gems is an overwhelming journey full of anxiety. It achieved that splendidly.
That's its greatest accomplishment: To immerse you in the entire atmosphere of the environment that Sandler's character inhabits, while we witness the cascade of bad decisions he makes.

Perhaps the biggest mistake is how the directors get to over-lengthen the story, which indirectly gets to a point where Sandler's character becomes obnoxious but I think that's part of the experience, because who ever in their right mind would feel more sympathy for a person like him? I mean more than the allowed sympathy anyways.

Its ending, although predictable is certainly what he built and there's no learning in it and it doesn't need to be.
After all the story was his decline while he believed that he was going to succeed. And yes for a moment he did and for a moment he savored it, but as happens many times in life, good things aren't made to last.

Another triumph for A24.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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9

MarcDoyleDec 16, 2019

It's one of those films that you think about hours and days after you see it. Sandler always nails the dramatic roles (Punch Drunk Love, Spanglish), and he crushes this one. Thought Mike Francesa and KG did really nice jobs with their roles.

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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10

LatinCritic13Dec 15, 2019

Executively produced by Martin Scorsese with Joker's Emma Tillinger Koskoff and directed by The Safdie Bros, Uncut Gems is a genuine bloody good time seeing Adam Sandler giving his very best performance since PTA's Punch Drunk Love. I ain'tExecutively produced by Martin Scorsese with Joker's Emma Tillinger Koskoff and directed by The Safdie Bros, Uncut Gems is a genuine bloody good time seeing Adam Sandler giving his very best performance since PTA's Punch Drunk Love. I ain't gonna trip just yet, but Adam Sandler needs to get an Oscar nomination for this film ASAP. Or not, he's gonna do Jack and Jill 2 if that happens.… Expand

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

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5

Kreig415Dec 14, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I wanted to like this movie. I really did. But I came out feeling a bit ill. The frenetic trailer proved a proper foreshadowing: it was like they extended the same pacing over the entire film. As a result it becomes hard to get to know or even like any of the characters and there was a resultant stock quality to many of them, with no real tension between them provided by the story. It skates too cleanly over the main character's gambling addiction and Kevin Garnett's role is almost inscrutable as a character goes; we end up with stereotypes. The tension which exists is generated in the hyperactive cinematography and editing and it leaves you feeling more and more like the end of the film couldn't come too soon... but when it does its nonsensical... it "wraps things up" but very unsatisfyingly. There's just not much of a payoff for your 2 1/2 hours. In sum, I'd sit this one out and wait till it's available to stream.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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9

LamontRaymondDec 14, 2019

The Safdie Bros's movies are just like nothing else on the big screen. I loved Good Time, and I was anticipated this movie more than anything else this season. It delivers, with just minor drawbacks (which I can't go into - as they're plotThe Safdie Bros's movies are just like nothing else on the big screen. I loved Good Time, and I was anticipated this movie more than anything else this season. It delivers, with just minor drawbacks (which I can't go into - as they're plot spoilers). As someone who is obsessed with the NBA and the way that it interfaces with sports gambling, I'm, I guess you would say, the target audience. And Sandler is incredible, as I suspected he would be. Adel Dazeem is also really good in a smaller role. However, the big find in this film is Julia Fox as Howard's (Sandler's) girlfriend. She's the x-factor in this fun, fast-paced, and ultimately frenzied pic. If there were ever a reason to go see a film on the big screen - (screw all that comic book garbage) - this is it.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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10

RoctosDec 14, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Howard is such a A-hole. And that is the point of the movie. The Safdie brothers made a tense drama about someone you would usually hate so much. The movie start literally during the main character colonoscopy (think it's somewhat saying that Ratner isn't a great human ;) ) After that, he goes back to the KMH Jewelry he own and Lakeith Stanfield's character appeared bringing him Kevin Garnett (who was very good in this movie) I won't say more, but Uncut Gems is a must see… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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5

tropicAcesDec 13, 2019

Great work by Sandler and a few intense sequences, but ultimately some poor pacing and repetitive story beats leave you wanting more.

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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10

Falling_ManDec 13, 2019

This film was an endless anxiety attack simulation, and I loved every minute of it. The Safdie Brothers pull an amazing performance out of Adam Sandler, a character whose every action ignites events which just get more chaotic and stressful.This film was an endless anxiety attack simulation, and I loved every minute of it. The Safdie Brothers pull an amazing performance out of Adam Sandler, a character whose every action ignites events which just get more chaotic and stressful. He's a gambling addict in a world of trouble: His debtors are on his tale twenty four hours, his family life is falling apart, and so is his affair. Almost immediately it sets the tone with characters constantly shouting over each other, and the stakes are set from the start. From that point on, the stakes only continue to rise, and during the moments it stops to breathe, the tension increases due to the positions that the protagonist is put in. I saw this three months ago, and I still haven't fully recovered from the roller coaster ride. I look forward to watching it again, and to seeing what the Safdie Brothers bring us next.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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6

Temujin1206Dec 13, 2019

Had high expectations but ultimately walked out slightly disappointed.

Great performance by Sandler and there were some brilliant moments but overall it’s a schizophrenic, overly intense, poorly paced feature with a character that is hard toHad high expectations but ultimately walked out slightly disappointed.

Great performance by Sandler and there were some brilliant moments but overall it’s a schizophrenic, overly intense, poorly paced feature with a character that is hard to cheer for. I couldn’t stand the soundtrack, yes, it was deliberately aggressive to convey the hyper state of mind of Sandler’s anxious character, and yet I found it too over the top, exhausting to listen to by the end. I probably had too high expectations after Good Time.… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

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7

matthewmirlianiDec 13, 2019

Uncut Gems is a dizzying, chaotic, blurry ride of a film, but it’s worth navigating through the messiness for Sandler’s impressive and charismatic performance - and to watch him stumble in and out of trouble. The aesthetics, from the ominousUncut Gems is a dizzying, chaotic, blurry ride of a film, but it’s worth navigating through the messiness for Sandler’s impressive and charismatic performance - and to watch him stumble in and out of trouble. The aesthetics, from the ominous synth music to the stark, modern furniture of Sandler’s New York apartment, are particularly enjoyable and successfully establish a cold, slightly dystopian feel to the film. It’s an imperfect, but entertaining thriller which truly shines and satisfies the viewer in the final acts.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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Uncut Gems

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