New faces Safdie Brothers direct this thrilling drama. This is the single most odd film I've ever seen. They are able to, despite its very strange and bizarre narrative, craft a thrilling film that entertains from start to finish. The duo writes with a crisp rawness of a burst of authority with excessive profane language, it is able to emphasize the emotional drama of the film overall.
This film is perhaps usual funnyman Adam Sandler's most poignant role to date. His role as a tough and boisterous addicted gambler & jewelry store owner is one hell of a character. He packs no punches as this tough New York-based businessman. His performance is riveting and highly compelling, all thanks to the craft that the Safdie Brothers have made here.
Scoring the drama is Daniel Lopatin. His score is of electric and upbeat characteristics which help speed up the drama of the film overall. It helps the film be as thrilling as it is with this score. It's as fast-paced and exuberant as the film itself.
Some films aren't just to my liking. This film is however entertaining, it's just very strange and its approach is very bombastic and flashy. That being said, I do think its a good movie, just not a great film that requires a second viewing. With the film seemingly all over the place, it just doesn't seem like a film many would be interested in watching.
It's one of the strangest most bizarre films I've ever seen. Adam Sandler's performance is nothing short of dramatic yet somehow, this film is just not as great as it claims to be. Audiences will not go into this film with the expectation to laugh but rather indulge in the theatrics of Sandler's dramatic role in a slightly overwhelmingly odd and bizarre film that may not win over many people.
Poster Courtesy of A24 Pictures
Rate: C
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin Garnett and Idina Menzel
Directors: Josh and Benny Safdie
MPAA Rating: R (for pervasive strong language, violence, some sexual content and brief drug use)
Runtime: 2 Hours & 15 Minutes
Synopsis: From acclaimed filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie comes an electrifying crime thriller about Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score. When he makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime, Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides, in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.
