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Uncut Gems

This new crime drama set in 2013 from The Safdie Brothers, Josh and Ben: check out their Good Time with Robert Pattinson as a dangerously determined bank robber and diamond dealer. 

Uncut Gems has the actor and often producer from Grown Ups, and The Water Boy, ad nauseum focusing an abundance of existence appears to be predicated on poor, adrenalized choices. 

He’s disagreeable and strident while charging a lot for diamonds in his Midtown Manhattan emporium.  The sweaty, bespectacled fella looks to be onto a shimmering prize with an African shipment. 

An exchange is made with Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett for his 2008 NBA championship ring before the latter can try and recoup it presumably during an auction.  Howard pawns off the ring.  So, he can wager that dough to recoup that rare rainbow rock and have a nice windfall in the process. 

Adam Sandler (just honored by the National Board of Review) and the filmmakers are able to display confidence during demanding situations that offer welcome propulsion to the discourse which has an automatic flair with vulgarities part of its weaponry.

But, its at the service of a sensible script and effective characters, even on the distaff side,  a callous, leering charm is manifested in turns by Idina Menzel (currently in the hit “Frozen II) and the debut of Julia Fox, respectively, as long-suffering New Jersey missus Dinah and younger, lovable,  if guileful assistant of a backdoor girl Julia.   Other smaller, but still notable appearances come from: Eric Bogosian, Judd Hirsch, and Lakeith Stanfield (now in the sharp whodunit Knives Out).

The comedian (once an SNL regular) remembered for The Hanekkah Song has done more serious turns in films like Reign Over Me (set in the aftermath of 9/11).  As in that long forgotten comedy (rejected by his fanbase which nearly broke even in domestic grosses) there’s an angry, sad, and desperate composition which is in a raw, uncut fashion. 

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Movie Information

Release Date:   December 13, 2019
Released by:   A24 Films
MPAA Rating:   Rated R for pervasive strong language, violence, some sexual content and brief drug use.
Director:   Josh & Benny Safdie
Starring:   Robert Pattison, Adam Sandler, Idina Menzel, Julia Fox, Eric Bogosian, Judd Heirch and Lakeith Stanfield

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