Movie Review: Uncut Gems

3.5 stars out of 5

I saw Uncut Gems a couple of weeks ago and thought, “What’s all this hubbub about Adam Sandler? He doesn’t deserve an Oscar nomination.” And sure enough, he did not receive one. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a solid performance, just nothing special; Sandler himself has done better work.

But the film overall is compelling. Those Safdie brothers are on to something, because their style is raw and real, and the genre is hard to define: part thriller, part comedy, part drama. Sandler is surrounded by quality actors and quality non-actors. Eric Bogosian does nice work as jeweler Sandler’s pissed-off brother-in-law. (Billy Madison owes him money.) Idina Menzel is realistic as Sandler’s frustrated wife; in regards to the marriage, she’s ready to “Let It Go.” LaKeith Stanfield, who didn’t add much to Knives Out, is surprisingly menacing here. Julia Fox, in her first real role as Sandler’s employee/girlfriend, really impresses. And though Mike Francesca got a lot of press about being in this movie — at least in my circles — Kevin Garnett does an excellent job playing himself in a pretty significant part.

So: Uncut Gems held my attention, was entertaining, and I did want to know how the plot would play out. I don’t know if the movie actually “said” very much and I can’t say I’ve thought about it after. But not a bad time at the movies.