Adam Sandler's 'Uncut Gems' Is a Huge Hit Despite Scoring a C+ from Audiences

Adam Sandler inUncut Gems.Photo: A24

Uncut Gemsreally shined.

Despite receiving a C+Cinemascorefrom audiences on opening night,Adam Sandler’s latest filmUncut Gemsearnedpositive reviewsfrom critics and gave its production company A24 itsbiggest opening everwhen the indie picked up $18.8 million in its first week of wide release. The movie, set in New York City’s Diamond District where Sandler’s character Howard runs a jewelry shop, also received a 92 percent onRotten Tomatoes.

Uncut Gemsfollows gambling lover Howard as he bets it all on a rare opal he bought from Ethiopia. Howard lends the gem to NBA star Kevin Garnett, who considers it a good luck charm, and must get it back in order to pay off his debts around the city, including one to his father-in-law that could end with Howard’s death if he doesn’t pony up. But Howard immediately bets any money he collects in hopes of turning it into a bigger profit — which only makes his problem worse.

Adam Sandler (left) with hisUncut Gemscostar Kevin Garnett.Allen Berezovsky/Getty

With everything going on, Howard puts being a father and a husband on hold and sleeps with his shop employee Julia (Julia Fox), who he believes cheated on him with musical artistThe Weekndat a nightclub.

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Critics have hailed the Safdie brothers’ suspenseful, anxiety-inducing drama as 53-year-oldSandler’s best workand even speculated that it couldearn the comedian an Oscar. Playing a neurotic sports bettor/jeweler allowed fans to see amore serious side of Sandlerthat’s beenon rare displaysince hisSaturday Night Livedays,but it’s one the actor trained for since he studied at NYU.

“I was never doing comedy monologues in school. I was always doingThe Indian Wants the Bronx,” Sandler toldVariety. “Oh yeah. I was doing stand-up on my own, but when I was in school, I was just doing serious stuff.”

Uncut Gemsis in theaters now.

source: people.com