For most film fans, when you think of the current crop of Adam Sandler films, you immediately imagine the recent crop of Netflix originals that the actor seems to pump out on a quarterly basis. And unfortunately, those films likely don’t leave such a great taste in your mouth, if you’re even the type that dares watch. Well, I have good news for cinephiles out there hoping to see Sandler go back to the type of film that was promised with his starring role in “Punch-Drunk Love” years ago — the upcoming Safdie Brothers film “Uncut Gems.”
Earlier today, it was announced that “Uncut Gems” would have its International Premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. And luckily, with that, we get a first look at Sandler in the lead role, as New York City jeweler Howard Ratner. The film follows Ratner as he attempts to land the biggest score of his career, while also juggling the various drama in his life.
And even from the one picture, we can see that “Uncut Gems” is a far cry from recent Sandler entries like “Murder Mystery” and “The Week Of.” It’s clear that the Safdie Brothers are bringing some of that grit and grime that was evident in their last film “Good Time” to this new project.
The fact that the film is written and directed by the Safdie Brothers is easily the top reason why everyone should be excited about this flick. “Good Time,” for my money at least, was easily one of the best films of 2017 and showed that Robert Pattinson is not only one of the best actors working today but is truly an acting force to be reckoned with. Honestly, if the directors can do the same thing with Sandler, I’ll gladly eat all my words about every bad film he’s made in recent years.
The world premiere for “Uncut Gems” has yet to be announced, but if you’re at TIFF 2019, you’ll have a chance to check it out in September. For those not able to do the film festival circuit this fall, A24 is releasing the film on December 13.
Here’s the synopsis:
From acclaimed filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie comes an electrifying crime thriller about Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score. When he makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime, Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides, in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.
