This upcoming December will mark three years since Adam Sandler’s 2019 crime film blockbuster, Uncut Gems, was released in the United States.
Uncut Gems was directed by brothers Josh and Benny Safdie. Regarded as one of the best gambling films in recent memory, it stars Sandler as Howard Ratner — a jewelry store owner and avid gambler. The film is set in New York City, and it follows Ratner’s gambling addiction that leads him into significant trouble to the point where his own life is in danger.
The cast also includes Julia Fox (Julia De Fiore), Lakeith Stanfield (Demany), Idina Menzel (Dinah Ratner) and NBA legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, who appears as himself. Fox received a “Breakthrough Actor Award” nomination at the 2019 Gotham Awards for her performance as De Fiore. Taylor Russell won the award for her performance as Emily Williams in Waves.
Just over two years after Uncut Gems gems was released, mobile/online and in-person sports betting launched in The Empire State. There are some wonderful apps for betting in New York for new customers to try out, including FanDuel, Caesars, PointsBet, DraftKings and BetMGM.
These sportsbooks offer many special welcome bonuses to new customers, such as a $1,00 “No Sweat First Bet” from FanDuel, a risk-free wager of up to $1,500 from Caesars and five risk-free bets from PointsBet worth up to $100 each. Through these sportsbooks, you can place wagers on sports like football, hockey, baseball, basketball, golf, darts, soccer and much more. There are all sorts of different bets to place as well, such as futures, moneylines, point spreads, over/under wagers and more.
Speaking of New York teams and futures bets, the Buffalo Bills have the best Super Bowl 57 odds at several sportsbooks, including DraftKings (+600). The American League East-leading New York Yankees own the second-best 2022 World Series odds at +450 at the sportsbook, behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers (+370).
“Uncut Gems” Brings The Thrill & Gives The Audience An Important Lesson
Uncut Gems is more than an emotional, pacing and dramatic crime film.
Yes, having all those elements for any crime movie with a major star like Sandler is pivotal. But Uncut Gems, like some of the top timeless gambling movies, does a great job of warning the viewers about the dangers of gambling addictions.
The Ratner character has a loving partner, close friends and a jewelry store in one of the world’s most desirable cities. But unfortunately, Ratner’s life falls into significant danger due to his gambling addictions that get him involved in the mafia. Ratner’s gambling issues also jeopardize the relationships with his loved one, including his girlfriend (De Fiore).
Gambling addiction is sadly something that affects many people as well as their families and friends. According to the International Center for Responsible Gaming, about one percent of adults in America have “a severe gambling problem.”
Other beloved gambling movies like Rounders (1998), The Gambler (1974) and Maverick (1994) feature plots where the main characters get themselves into serious danger. Viewers can enjoy the thrill of such films but also understand the importance of gambling very responsibility.
The excellent pacing throughout Uncut Gems will keep ecstatic audience members on their seats from start to finish, and it’s hard not to feel the intense emotions of Ratner’s character throughout.
How Can “Uncut Gems” Influence Future Gambling Movies?
Generally speaking, the current era of live-action films doesn’t feature a whole lot of films that are largely based around the gambling lifestyle.
Some forms of gambling (such as poker, slots and blackjack) play key roles in several James Bond films and even Martin Scorsese’s 1995 thriller, Casino. But the actual gambling element is only featured so often.
There aren’t any indications that an Uncut Gems sequel is on the horizon, of course, But the critical and financial success ($50 million at the box office) of Uncut Gems will hopefully lead to more marquee gambling-based movies in the future.
The majority of the best gambling movies have creative start-to-finish pacing, a troubled main character that’s easy to sympathize for and an unforgiving/menacing antagonist(s). Uncut Gems checks off all of those boxes.
Without a doubt, Uncut Gems is one such movie that perfectly sets up the template for a blockbuster gambling film. Perhaps future gambling-related projects will be inspired by the success of the Safdie brothers’ 2019 movie.
