Who knew Adam Sandler could act?

The Josh and Benny Safdie crime/thriller Uncut Gems (2019) is really Adam Sandler’s picture, as he energetically portrays a maniacal, scheming, borderline criminal dealer in jewelry and watches, sports memorabilia, and most notably precious minerals (the eponymous gem is a 1,000 carat opal; the movie opens w/ a scene of some Ethiopian miners discovering the gem,which they sneak from the mine owners – good – and sell for about $1,000 – about 1 percent of its street value). But the movie really begins with Sandler, as Howard Ratner, in his tight-security office showcasing the gem to Kevin Garnett, playing himself; he gives the gem to KG (as he, w/ false bonhomie, calls Garnett) on loan, which sets off a string of reactions, deals, and double-crosses, as Ratner/Sandler places some ridiculous bets, pawns a Celtics ring Garnett gave him for security, and deals w/ the many entanglements of his family life, such as it is, and his affair w/ one of his salesclerks – and why would she put up w/ him anyway? Anyway, who knew he could act? Sandler is great in this role – though admittedly it’s a one-note portrayal, two hours of pure mania and deception. You can’t help but watch him as he self-destructs, but the movie never builds any sympathy for him, either. The pace is frantic and relentless, though I felt the energy flagged near the grand finale as we watch a Celtics game on which Ratner has placed a ridiculously risky wager. At the end – spoiler here – can anyone really feel sad that Ratner’s shot to death? It was a relief to have him just shut up.