Uncut Gems - 4/5

This movie is an expertly crafted cacophony of chaos. There are constantly two or three conversations happening overtop of each other throughout the movie and the ‘80s synth soundtrack revving everything up to frenetic mania makes for a stressful moviegoing experience. This synergizes with the plot and brings the audience in to the world of the protagonist in an very effective way. Unfortunately, by the end all we’re left with is a story of a guy who did some things, and no further substance or food for thought. Adam Sandler gives the best performance of his career, convincingly as despicable as everyone else in this sordid tale of gray market shennanigans. Those who enjoy the ‘bad people doing bad things’ genre will likely enjoy this film more.

Content warning: sexuality, language, Adam Sandler’s colon

Closest comparison: It’s like Taxi Driver by way of Snatch (2000), but with less slick polish.

Setting: Inner City Crime
Plot: Bad people doing bad things
Tone: Thriller

Murder Mystery (Netflix, 2019) - 3/5

This movie is much better than many of Adam Sandler’s previous attempts at relationship cringe comedy. The cringe takes a back seat to better comedy and there are plenty of other funny moments to focus on instead. The mystery is about at the level of a good TV episode and serves to moves the plot along, but eagle-eyed viewers trying to solve the case before the end will be disappointed with eleventh-hour information reveals that are crucial to the solution. Still, it’s told well and a fun time if you just go along for the ride.

Closest comparison: It’s like an Adam Sandler comedy made out of an Agatha Christie mystery.

Setting: Adventure
Plot: Mystery
Tone: Comedy