Film Review: Uncut Gems

Sandler reason enough to see stressful new Safdie brothers’ picture

Fast-talking jeweler Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) peddles his wares.

“You are the most annoying person I have ever met,” Howard Ratner’s soon-to-be ex-wife Dinah (Idina Menzel) tells him midway through Benny and Josh Safdie’s new film Uncut Gems. By that point, you’ll be bound to agree with her. As played by Adam Sandler in a career defining performance, Howard is not exactly pleasant to spend time with. The film, too, can be equally unpleasant: it’s a frenetic, exhausting experience that may leave you emotionally spent. But Sandler is absolutely riveting, and, annoying as Howard may be, he’s a character unlike any we’ve seen before. Sandler’s brilliant portrayal of him is reason alone to give this frenzied picture a chance.

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Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 6/7/12-6/13/12

At Bottom Of The Hill on Wednesday.

I like all the different people
I like sticky everywhere
Look around, you bet I’ll be there!
Hot metal in the sun
Pony in the air
Sooey and saints at the fair

Saints alive you’re saying
Walk in … squares
The hid are out, out for the year
It’s a lot of face
A lot of crank air
Eroding around here

Summer’s ready
Summer is ready when you are

Sorry, The Breeders aren’t playing…

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