Feb. 6, 2020
By Kevin Brasil
Staff Writer
I’m not going to confess to having watched all of the motion pictures that received Oscar nominations on Jan. 12. Be that as it may, I have seen mystery/crime film “Uncut Gems” starring Adam Sandler, who plays the risk-taking criminal Howard Ratner. What’s more, I can say this with relative certainty: Sandler may play a thief, but when it comes to Oscar nominations, he got robbed.
The leading actor category was competitive this year as Leonardo DiCaprio (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”), Adam Driver (“Marriage Story) and Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”) all appeared to be obvious Oscar contenders. Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”) and Jonathan Pryce (“The Two Popes”) are also nominated in this category.
Now, let’s pause to consider Sandler’s performance. Sandler, who is known for depicting humorous characters, rose to a whole new level in “Uncut Gems.” As a result of his portrayal of the conspiring precious gem and precious stones dealer from New York, viewers find themselves rooting for the complex protagonist.
Sandler, who is known for depicting humorous characters, rose to a whole new level in “Uncut Gems.“
Gone is the family man who carries delight to the screen and engages audiences with his lighthearted banter. In “Uncut Gems,” Sandler is continually grinning, but his eyes—like that of a poker master—conceal his deception as he strives to get rich and settle his debts simultaneously.
Sandler pairs perfectly with supporting actor and professional basketball player Kevin Garnett who plays himself. Sandler’s character shows his persuasive ability as he keenly convinces Garnett to excuse his debt.
The Sandler we’ve known for a considerable length of time—even in his best comedic moments in flicks like “Punch-Drunk Love” and “Reign Over Me”—is gone. Unfortunately, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made a wrong decision by judging Sandler by his past works and overlooking his talent in the blockbuster hit “Uncut Gems.”
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