According to our intel – which comes from the same sources that told us Netflix were working on an Extraction sequel and a spinoff for The Witcher before either was officially confirmed – Sandler is reportedly buoyed by the reception to his work in Uncut Gems, and is now actively seeking to headline a prestige drama for the streaming site that could potentially put him into awards season contention.
Think it’s safe to say Sandler won’t win an Oscar for Hubie Halloween (FIRST LOOK), but it’s certainly a plausible rumor that he’s shopping for a drama script for one of his two remaining Netflix movies on his four picture extension (the other film is the sequel to Murder Mystery).
Speaking of the Oscars, something I didn’t weigh in on was the new imposed diversity requirements for Best Picture category. I don’t like the idea of quotas for creative projects — art is unnecessarily compromised by forcing characters casted to be different races, sexual orientation, disabled, etc when the character role doesn’t fit. If the character role fit the story, then of course I’m all for casting that way, but the next James Bond should not be a paraplegic lesbian African American woman, simply to make it eligible for the Best Picture in 2025. As for forcing more diversity behind the camera? Heck, that should have already been happening, it’s called Equal Opportunity Employment. If Hollywood isn’t playing ball (and it sounds like they haven’t been), then maybe these new eligibility rules will force a more diverse crew and creative teams.
Sandler tends to hire the same group of friends for Happy Madison films, which is good for his loyalty, but he’ll need to consult the diversity checklist to make sure he’s not screwed over by that.
Should he have gotten a nomination for Best Actor for Uncut Gems? Many say yes, what do you think?
Mea culpa: didn’t even notice there were that many f-words used. Did you?
Not that using the F word 408 times necessarily enhances the film, which is based squarely on a compelling story and the acting by Sandler. Yet, there always seems to be a contest on how many uses of the word can be slipped into a film without gaining a hard R rating. In many cases, studios just let those films gain hardcore ratings since they always find an adult audience.
It’s kind of funny that this is even a statistic: sitting around counting and calculating how many times a single word is said in films. It does make something else to watch for in a movie.
We have people watching movies to see when the best times are to take a pee break, so why not this? Well, that service is more of a biological necessity than an f-word counter. When we get older, believe me, we need to go more frequently.
Maybe in the nearly 300 posts here so far, the f-word uncensored has been used once or twice (upon running a search, it’s only been used once and it wasn’t by me, it was an Indiewire quote). Consciously, I find other ways to communicate without profanity, but realize that in movies I’m somewhat immune to excess profanity.
Profanity is used strategically in short stories and novels I’ve written. Why? Because I know it has an effect on reader perception in dialogue when a character speaks with too many swear words.
It’s little like cigarette smoking in TV and movies. Used to see it all the time until the surgeon general determined everybody was dying from lung cancer and then less and less people are smoking on screen. Nowadays in films, it is primarily the bad guys who smoke those awful coffin nails.
And they swear too.
Harley Quinn, the adult animated series we’re covering here with new episodes every Friday has tons of f-bombs. That’s the way Harley talks. Her persona. I love it. Did notice in the movie trailer that Margot Robbie talking as Harley says, “Harley FRICKIN’ Quinn” — aha!
Harley Quinn is no stranger to using the f-word in her new adult animated series on DC Universe
But back to Uncut Gems, seriously, I didn’t recognize excessive f-word usage because everybody seemed to be doing it. Does make for an interesting drinking game … every time you hear an f-bomb have a sip!
(college campuses are already on the case!)
Some moviegoers are clearly turned off by excessive use of profanity. Guess I’m sort of immune to it in some movies like this one.
Not a prude or anything, but do notice when blogs and articles use excess profanity. It doesn’t seem very conversational to me when every other paragraph swears just because. There are lots of words to express yourself. Try a thesaurus sometimes.
I still believe in the camp that when you rarely do something, it has more impact. It means something. Intellectually, creatively, in business, entertainment and life. Not judging others, do what you want and be happy doing it and I’ll subscribe to you whether or not you swear, but here I’m going to roll a little cleaner.
Now would be a good time for effect to end on an f-bomb. Blink and all will be forgotten. Since, I’ve never done it before. No, I must resist!
Somebody needs to get Shaquille O’Neil to riff off Kevin Garnett’s acting chops.
From previews didn’t expect much from Kevin Garnett (KG). Play a little basketball, maybe a cameo or two.
Not the case at all. He’s in several non-basketball scenes — and does very well.
All eyes have been on Adam Sandler, and he had a standout performance, but surprisingly, so did KG.
Before going further into this post, there will be SPOILERS in this critique and the linked reviews. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, then you may want to bookmark and come back after seeing.
… you have been warned SPOILERS ahead …
The most riveting scene KG is in, however, is on the court, He has a few other meaty scenes where he is at Howard’s jewelry store, another at an auction.
Like Sandler, who plays a very different version of his typical quirky, goofy self, KG plays an NBA star possessed with the properties of a gem in Sandler’s possession. He want, no, he needs that rock with the multi-colored gems.
It was clear to the Safdies that Garnett was a gifted performer even off the court. “When we met him in person it was just like, ‘His personality comes out of every part of his body,’” Josh says. “He’s incredible. He tells stories in a way that’s so engaging. And it’s so three-dimensional in a weird way. He’ll set up where everybody was sitting, what was happening. Then he shifts the stories based on who’s paying attention. He’ll give it a shape. It’s like, ‘OK, this guy can act. That’s acting.’”
He was not some walk-on NBA player who tries to act, he seems like another actor in the movie. Good for KG.
SPOILERS ahead, yes, of course.
Sandler Sure Walks A LOT in This Movie
The camermen sure got their cardio in following Sandler walking seemingly everywhere in this movie. Toward the end, I thought it was a little much. I mean, we get it, he’s walking, so follow with the camera. Too much of anything risks making it a gimmick. The overwalking scenes by the ending were feeling a little gimmicky.
The pros of them, however, is that they do ratchet up the intensity of Howard’s frenzied run. Where he’s trying to fix one problem by creating two others … and yet at the core of it is a deeply flawed sports gambling problem.
Ending is Raw, Unbridled Fury
Loved the last 20 minutes of this movie. We need to know whether or not Howard is going to win the big payoff. Despite him being fiercely unlikable, the viewer is compelled to root for him to win the bet, versus rooting against him.
Turns out it’s what happens after the bet outcome is most shocking. It’s the perfect cinematic magic act. Make us care for something to happen, then twist it. The twist is great and, no, I didn’t see it coming. If you did, good for you.
Summary
Despite some flaws, I enjoyed this movie. I can’t see giving any Oscar to Sandler over that other Adam, Mr. Driver, who was better in Marriage Story. Do I think Sandler should be nominated? Yes. It shows he has range. I don’t know if they’ll give any Oscar love to him.
Reviews by Others
What do other moviegoers think of Uncut Gems?
Recommended
AIPT: “…a flawed movie that is very enjoyable. It is anchored by strong performances and a very interesting story. The opening draws the audience in and keeps them on the edge of their seats. The frenzied storytelling and direction will be a turn off for some, but those who are willing to watch the film should like what they see.”
Andy Wolverton: “…a film that’s not refined, nor, I suppose, is it meant to be. It’s raw, it goads you to yearn for the unrealized potential in human flourishing, and it makes us very anxious and uncomfortable. Maybe that’s the point. It succeeds on many levels, yet it is a film I appreciate and admire more than a film I actually like.”
BandamReviews (Grade: A+): “The whole thing plays like a cautionary tale of inescapable addiction and dreams of unfathomable affluence courtesy of capitalism. Uncut Gems is a modern day American classic in every sense of the word and it is going to put the Safdie Brothers on the map.”
Cinema Spotlight / Jason: “…is engaging and relatively unique for today’s audience, and certainly like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It’s just an all-around fun film that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire way as it explores one man’s chaotic and self-destructive actions that take us on a wild ride through the effects of gambling addiction and the fast paced life that its main character choses to embrace.”
CJ / Film Mafia (4.5/5): “One of 2019’s best. It will make you grateful you don’t want any of the things the people in the film want, unless you do, in which case it may just get you to re-evaluate your life.”
EYG / Embrace Your Geekness (4/5): “There is a gritty feel to the film and you are constantly filled with anxiety about what is going to happen next. Howard is on his toes, just barely getting through to the next situation that you never have the chance to take a deep breath.”
Feld Thoughts: “If you’ve ever been out of control going downhill on skis or a bike, that’s what the movie felt like. For over two hours.”
FILM FRENZY / Matt Brunson (3/4): ” Since the bulk of Uncut Gems involves people constantly screaming at each other, jittery moviegoers might want to seek entertainment elsewhere — honestly, the characters’ hostility, accentuated by the up-close-and-personal camerawork by Darius Khondji and the rapid-fire editing by Benny Safdie and Bronstein, works on the nerves as effectively as the shock sequences from any superior horror film.”
FlixChatter Film Blog: “…is one of best films I’ve seen this year, in what has been an overall fantastic year for cinema and original storytelling. This Safdie Brothers crime thriller is definitely in my top-ten list”
Griff’s Picks (Grade: A): “A fairy tale coated in acid and financial insecurity, Uncut Gems‘ bruising, anxiety-driven journey finds a live-wire Adam Sandler leading the way as the Safdies cement themselves as maestros of jittery, high-wire narratives.”
Grim D. Reaper (3/4): ” The genius herein is all the ways viewers might feel about the ending… and none of them wrong. It isn’t unusual for award-contending films to have ambiguous endings leaving too much to the imagination, but this one curiously ends exactly where it needs to, and that too is a unique thing unto itself.”
Hannah N’ Atlanta: “…an excellent tale of what happens when we allow our vices to win out.”
Humanizing The Vacuum (Grade: B+): “Adam Sandler never stops acting in Uncut Gems; if he did, the film would collapse from angina.”
Jonathan Rivera: “Go watch. The cast is incredible with Adam Sandler doing what I think is the best work he has ever done. I will say though, the movie is long, just about over two hours and for those two hours you will be stressed and will feel emotionally attacked and battered”
Jordan Woodson’s Reviews: “…can drag at points, but it is still another really great piece of art from the Safdie Bros. While I do feel “Good Time” is still their best movie, there is no doubt that this is Sandler’s best performance and one of the best performances of the year.”
let the movie move us (5/5): “…this film is like one of the most exciting train trips you can ever take. Just do not miss it. Because by missing it, you miss an opportunity to become a part of the history created by two talented directors and Adam Sandler that cannot be missed at any cost.”
Liamm Gaughan (Grade: A-): “There are points in which Uncut Gems can feel exhausting, and it’s easy to get lost in the minutia of who owes what to who and what the implications of certain action are, but thanks to the surprising nature of the story and the creative problem solving, there’s never a point where the stakes don’t feel real or the dramatic ramifications are lost. “
Logan Coleman Film Reviews (8.5/10): “I am hopeful that Adam Sandler, Julia Fox, Eric Bogosian will be nominated for Oscars for their roles in the film. This film does have a large amount of profanity so this might not be for all people.”
Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser: “The Safdie brothers have created a role for Sandler this time around, that takes him 180 degrees from his comedic roots, and then some, proving that he really is an incredible actor, regardless of the material. And this movie as a whole…WOW! It is so chaotic throughout, that my anxiety was on overdrive! I even had to take a step back to take in the experience of what all just happened on screen, before I could respond to the Studio rep of what I had just experienced.”
Movies with Tarek (4/5): “…is a knockout performance that is also intense. However, the directing is astonishing, the screenplay is structured and luminous, and the suspense does not end.”
Movie Warrior: “…very entertaining, heart-warming, comical and a bit sad. This is definitely a great movie to see during this Holiday time. The cast is great. The cinematography and costumes are awesome!”
Platinum Studios: “…if your cake is a film with ever-increasing pacing, beat to beat tension (from the moment it starts to the minute it ends) then Uncut Gems is the thriller for you. That to me: is a TRUE thriller!”
Patrick/PJ (5/5): “A complex and beautiful, but intense cinematic experience that is not for everyone. I believe if you love and respect film, you will find that Uncut Gems adds to the ever evolving art of film and storytelling. I highly recommend it.”
Scott Likes Movies: “I left this movie feeling mentally and physically drained. Can you enjoy a movie artistically while it simultaneously makes you think you might have an aneurysm from stress? That’s what I got out of this. Whether or not you decide to watch this, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Unknown Reel (4.5/5): “…a movie that gives you a full adrenaline rush. every scene there’s something crazy going on and it doesn’t let you breathe until the end of the film. It’s chaotic, nerve-racking and tragic.”
Yosh Bansal Reviews (4/5): “…when this movie gets going, particularly in its final act, it is relentless and absorbing. The movie also feels very grounded in reality and that makes the tension levels rise even more.”
Zach’s Zany Movie Reviews: “I love, love, love, love this movie. And after this and Good Time, I cannot WAIT to see The Safdie Brothers next film”
Zaq Rants About Movies (9/10): “Adam Sandler is brilliant in Uncut Gems. Seriously. If there’s anyone left who doesn’t think he can give a great performance, then tie them to a chair and make them watch Sandler tell Kevin Garnett exactly how he wins.”
Not Recommended (or on the fence)
Bill Newcott: “With no reward at the end, we’re left only to marvel at Sandler’s bravura performance — and that’s not quite enough to make the whole ordeal worthwhile.”
Breegull Beak Reviews: “Uncut Gems is good. Adam Sandler is great, but this feels like a pretty basic story. It’s the kind that generally get buzz come award season, but while I enjoyed watching it, I can’t see myself doing so again.”
Chicken of Tomorrow: “…the underlying stock story is as common as glass and ultimately has nothing particularly profound to offer a modern audience. With all its flash and sparkle, Uncut Gems is as gaudy and cheap as a counterfeit watch.”
Dylan O’Grady:(6/10) “…the constant bickering & arguing throughout the first 2 acts. I know that there’s stressful situations the characters go through in the film, but it got to a point where it was repetitive & exhausting. The third act is really where it picks up though & I felt the most invested and wanted to know what was going to happen next until the very end.”
Fadi Hearts Films (Grade: B-): “Over all, I can’t say that I RECOMMEND this movie. It certainly accomplishes what it set out to do, which is to shred your nerves. But at nearly two and a half hours long, I found it to be a bit repetitive.”
Film Vetter: “…the film is so histrionic, it’s hard to find people you can actually identify with. You root for Sandler primarily because you want a particularly tense situation to resolve. And the soundtrack – a blend of Vangelis and the hum of an 80’s video game arcade – is distracting, discordant, and near-unforgivable.”
I Am Your Target Demographic: “Sandler’s Howard is an irredeemable guy, throwing his life away and making mistake after mistake. He then gets punished for it, emotionally and physically. This is two hours of stressful torture of this guy who clearly deserves it. Now yes, Sandler sells it, so his performance is top notch, but I still ask Who wants to see this? The movie is incredibly anxiety-inducing, my heart racing from start to finish. I didn’t enjoy the experience”
Movie Warrior (2.5/5): “I personally did not like the movie, not because of what the movie contained, but because of the illustrations of some of the scenes and the boldness of it all.”
Norbert Haupt (2/4): “The plot was impossible to follow. But I assume that was by the design of the music and the camera work, accompanied by the constant yelling of the people. Confusion abounded.”
Ry Guy’s Reviews: “The cinematography and structure of the film is done well, certainly not amateur. There are good elements throughout and by the end, you’re rooting for Howard at the end, just a little bit. The Safdie Brothers are probably going to be big names after this film. I just hope they can tighten things up and improve on their craft. Two and a half stars.”
The Obsessive Viewer: “How much you enjoy Uncut Gems will probably depend on your tolerance for not only Adam Sandler, but the Safdie brothers’ relentless pacing. But, like a car crash in slow motion, you’ll find it hard to look away.”
The Other Ebert: “…this film is loud, annoying, and there’s nobody to root for. The complicated plot is opaque and frankly I didn’t care enough about the main character to put much effort into trying to figure it out. By the end I just wanted it to be over.”
Writergurlny: “I don’t know about this film. Howard is not an unlikeable character, but he is highly flawed and makes questionable decisions. Though it is obvious that Sandler is stretching himself as an actor, I still kind of prefer the man-child of the past.”
Did I miss your review? Use the comments to tell me about your movie-related/review blog and I’ll follow. I like following movie-related blogs and pull quote from my reading list as well as other new blogs shared, liked and discovered.
Week #52 at the box office 12/25/2019 and we’re treated to sisters growing up, a frantic sports gambling addict and an animated spy accidentally disguised as a penguin, so which one is best?
This is not how I expected this to turn out, but #1 is …
What made this movie so special for me is how the story unfolds and is told. The narrative structure at first is disorienting, it bounces back and forth from present to flashback and moves between four sisters differing storylines. It should confuse, but by the ending of the movie it all seems the perfect way to tell this story.
On the way to the theater I recorded a video about my apprehension about the film based on the trailer.
My anticipation for this film was 2/10 … and then I actually saw the film and everything changed
After watching the film, see how I feel about it:
Go see Little Women. As I said in the video, it makes my top 10 list for 2019. A total surprise to me.
Next up is the movie I thought would be #1 for me this week. It was a film I looked most forward to seeing this week with Adam Sandler in a non-comedy, thriller role.
Want to see what else we recommend NOW PLAYING at the theater?
Here are other movies we’ve seen at the theater recently (maybe they are available in your area still) that are recommended. Any movie rated at least 3-stars is recommended. You should read any 3-star review (click the title), because sometimes we do qualify those recommendations, meaning we were entertained, but it doesn’t mean that it was necessarily that good.
4-star movies are highly recommended and films we rate as 4 1/2 or 5 stars are must see.
3 of 5 movies released “wide” shown above plus The Polar Express on a one day bonus showing
Wednesday is here and that means … new movies at the theater starting tomorrow!
Yes, more new movies coming to theaters this weekend (Thursday forward). Right now, at least in our area – and via Google search — only three of the five being released “wide” are actually showing as coming soon with presale tickets available.
Or Box Office Mojo is jacked up and these two movies are really “limited” release (which I think is what’s happening) for Uncut Gems and Bombshell, two movies I was most eagerly looking to see out of the five. Check this out (follow the yellow highlight in the screenshot):
Box Office Mojo info by IMDB pro shows Bombshell and Uncut Gems are “wide”, but they are not
If someone like me who actually follows movies and researches when they come out is confused, how is an average or “once in awhile” moviegoer going to sort this out. Come on, IMDBPro, you guys are being IMDB amateurs. Why would anybody pay for this information when you can’t get something basic right on the homepage of your website?
Stay with me. Because there is conflicting info on other major movie info sites.
I know, I know, it’s minor issue. They have tons of great data on the inside … for $20/month or whatever. It’s just annoying that I can’t figure out how and where these limited movies are playing so I can pay to go and see them. Customers should never have to jump through hoops like this. It’s no wonder fewer people are going to movie theaters these days. Some must just throw their hands up and wait for it to show up on streaming.
Rotten Tomatoes has a movie info section which shows Uncut Gems as opening on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2019, 13 days from the “wide” date listed by Box Office Mojo by IMDBPro:
Uncut Gems is not opening in our area until December 24 … 11 days after “wide” opening. Sigh
Same source, RT, showing Bombshell as “opening” on December 19, 2019:
See, now you can join me in confusion.
Am sure your zip code is different than what’s shown above, so maybe, just maybe you’ll find Bombshell or Uncut Gems showing somewhere near you. Since they aren’t showing in our area — at least as of this writing — we won’t be seeing them this coming weekend. Unfortunately, there won’t be a review and rating for either of these two movies until on/after the dates mentioned above.
So, let’s get the two movies we (probably) can’t see this weekend out of the way first:
Uncut Gems
Uncut Gems featuring Adam Sandler in a dramatic role is not available for me until December 24
My interest for this movie is pretty high. I’m bummed that I have to wait until Christmas Eve to see this and probably need to skip past numerous spoiler-laden reviews that will be coming between December 13 and December 24. Give me a big brick of cheese to go with my wine.
Anticipation: 9/10
Bombshell
Charlize Theron looks so much like Megyn Kelly to me that almost for that reason alone I’m interested in seeing this film. I’m not sure how critics will receive the movie based on the underlying politics, but am hoping reviewers will rate the movie first and politics second. I certainly will, at least as much as I can from the source material. Just because I may not like what the FOX Network does or doesn’t do should not matter about whether or not the story this movie is telling is entertaining. I’ll have to wait until next week — December 19, or so I’m seeing at the moment — to be able to watch, review and rate this one. If you have it in your area, yes, I’m envious!
Anticipation: 8 / 10
Jumanji: The Next Level
Good to see the cast is back. Jack Black is almost always fun. I have preferred The Rock in more action roles than comedic ones typically but this blended comedy-action movie seems to fit his acting style.
Anticipation: 5 / 10
Richard Jewell
Richard Jewell official trailer
Directed by Clint Eastwood. A dramatic retelling of the 1996 Centenniel Park Olympic bombing hero turned suspect Richard Jewell. I have tried to steer away from learning much about this film because I saw a headline that spoiled an important part of the movie for me. I’d warn others who don’t want key plot points ruined to avoid seeking much coverage on this one. The trailers asks a pretty key question and a simple Google news review of stories about this movie spoils that. Sigh.
Anticipation: 7 / 10.
Black Christmas
Black Christmas official trailer
Reboot of the classic horror movie Black Christmas. Generally not a fan of horror reboots to date, but do enjoy Christmas themed horror movies, so a little mixed on what this one will bring. Trailer is just … OK.
Anticipation: 4 / 10
ANTICIPATION for Week of 12/12/19 MOVIES
How much on scale of 1-10 anticipating the 12-12-2019 movies? Those marked with asterisk are not available in our area this week, so will carryover in future weeks until available to watch in our area.
*Uncut Gems – 9/10
*Bombshell – 8/10
Richard Jewell – 7/10
Jumanji: The Next Level – 5/10
Black Christmas – 4/10
Are there screenings in our area to see these movies?
As noted at the start of this post, Uncut Gems is not available until 12/24 and Bombshell 12/19, the other three are confirmed wide screenings available in our area and the plan is to watch, review and rate all.
Not sure how I ever missed that Adam Sandler and Chris Farley were fired from Saturday Night Live (SNL). Retrospectively, it defies logic.
The advantage of him leaving is all the movies he made in the future. Whether or not he would have been that productive had he remained on SNL we’ll never know.
Two of arguably the greatest comedic talents during my life fired from a TV show celebrating great comedians and comedy? How? Why?
Lunch Lady Land on SNL featuring Adam Sandler and Chris Farley
There are countless examples of why Chris Farley was a genius and, sadly, he didn’t live much longer after that (two more years or so), but for the purpose of keeping this post from being too all over the place, let’s just focus on Adam Sandler.
Check out the end of this article about Howard Stern’s interview with Sandler over the SNL firing where he makes a very funny joke about his dramatic role in Uncut Gems [PREVIEW]:
Regarding the film, the mastermind behind “The Ridiculous 6” joked if he’s not nominated for an Oscar for his role in the drama, “I’m going to f–king come back and do one again that is so bad on purpose just to make you all pay. That’s how I get them.”
That’s Sandler cleverly pointing out that he deserves an Oscar. I haven’t seen Uncut Gems yet, but it looks really interesting and the same critics who repeatedly bash him for his comedy, with minor exceptions, have so far by and large fawned over his performance in this film, so once the film opens and if the audience praise is the same, perhaps his dream will finally come true?
But let’s go back to the SNL firing. Best as I can tell from researching this topic and from Sandler’s own confusion on the topic, it had something to do with SNL poor ratings in the 1994 and 1995 seasons and the fact there were executives that didn’t like their “gang” which consisted primarily of Sandler, Farley and David Spade.
SNL has had a well known revolving door of comedic talent. They come and go, giving way to a new crop of comics. I’m not a huge fan of SNL and never really have watched, even when Sandler and Farley were there. I have watched many episodes as reruns and a small few episodes of the show live. Of course with YouTube I’ve enjoyed many clips and sketches.
I think SNL is, and has been, funniest when they skewer politics and just generally lampoon everything that’s currently happening in/around us. That’s been the main draw of the show and what continues to keep it relevant. For me, it’s the TV version of Mad Magazine (yes, they had a TV show at one time).
Uncut Gems opens wide in theaters December 13, 2019.
What we do and don’t know so far about Uncut Gems with limited opening on December 13, 2019 via various sources:
Adam Sandler stars in a dramatic role, yes, that emphasis is correct.
NBA star Kevin Garnett stars as himself
Some brand new (non-) actors were used for fight scenes and Sandler says he was really choked out.
The film is by the Safdie Brothers: Josh and Bennie.
With 50+ reviews at Rotten Tomatoes it holds 94% Fresh rating. This was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2019 and clearly met with overwhelming critical praise.
Director of Parasite, Bong Joon-Ho, ⭐️⭐️⭐️ cites Uncut Gems as his favorite movie of 2019 and would like to work with Sandler someday.
What most piques my curiosity is the critic dynamic with Adam Sandler’s films — at least his comedies — tends to be very negative and yet here in a more dramatic film, he’s actually getting Oscar buzz.
Jennifer Aniston won The People’s Choice Icon Award for her work on the Netflix Original Murder Mystery ⭐️⭐️½ which I found merely OK (click title to read review). Aniston went on to gush about how great it is working with Sandler and how he is a good human being and great talent.
Aniston on Sandler while accepting “People’s Icon” award: “I love this man.”
He has that effect on his friends who repeatedly return to his movies. Actors like Steve Buscemi who literally is in almost every Sandler movie.
My favorite Sandler films to date have been when he creates original music and has good chemistry with his romantic interest (The Wedding Singer) and where he goes off the rails funny. Airheads is great.
Uncut Gems is off was reviewed positively at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
I realize this isn’t the first dramatic role Sandler is taking. He starred in Punch Drunk Love and Reign Over Me which seemed to feature him more as conflicted, often angry characters.
In Uncut Gems, he seems to be playing a gambler on the run role. Here is the plot 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.
Sandler stars in the kinds of films he wants to make, with this “anxiety-inducing” film by the Safdie brothers. In this film, not made by him, he took this role because he must have wanted to do something different. That increases my anticipation for this film.
Am a little concerned this will be a limited, not a wide distribution, because other A24 films have been not been in many theaters. Maybe Sandler’s star power will make this a wider screening.
Repeating my Top 10 New Movies Coming Soon In Fall 2019, am looking ahead to movies coming in Winter 2019-2020. This includes movies with an opening date of as early as December 1, 2019 to as late as March 2020. All these movies have been added to my Letterboxd watchlist.
This list is sorted by most interested to least interested in seeing. Anticipation for a movie will change based on new information that comes out closer to the release date.
Uncut Gems (December 13) – FIRST LOOK -Adam Sandler in a thriller?!?! Sign me up!
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker ⭐️⭐️½ – PREVIEW – for me this is the end of an era that began in the 70s .Somewhat bittersweet, because I always believed George Lucas would tell this tell, not J.J. Abrams. I have to see this one, even though I haven’t been as excited about this series in a long time.
Bombshell ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – PREVIEW – the story behind what brought down a FOX media mogul, Roger Ailes.
Godzilla vs. Kong (March 13) – FIRST LOOK – monster vs. monster, hope it’s old school!
Fantasy Island (February 14) – FIRST LOOK – the remake of a fun, sometimes dark TV show. Sad that the real Tattoo (Herve Villachez) and Mr. Roarke (Ricard Montalban) are gone, but if it is faithful to the material that inspired it, then yay! It has been confirmed there is no Tattoo in this movie. Would love to have seen Peter Dinklage take a shot at Tattoo. Sigh.
Bad Boys For Life (January 17) – Will Smith and Martin Lawrence doing the buddy cop thing again.
Doolittle (January 17) – FIRST LOOK– Robert Downey, Jr.
Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn – February 7, 2020) – previews for this DC comic + the strength of Joker being something different has my curiosity piqued.
Sonic The Hedgehog (February 14, 2020) – FIRST LOOK – videogame movies have sucked for the most part historically
1917 (December 25) – FIRST LOOK – seeing what one continuous shot is like has attracted me to this war film.
There are more movies I’m looking forward to than the top 10 listed above and undoubtedly there will be surprise anticipated drop-in titles. This is what happened with my Fall 2019 anticipation list, which is why I continue to monitor new movies that are previewed and update.
Movies, Movies, Movies 