After Adam Sandler’s latest release, Hustle (7.3 on IMDb), a film that follows a down-and-out basketball scout, many movie enthusiasts started to wonder what Sandler’s best movie on Netflix is. As an actor/director primarily known for comedies, it’s hard to think of another person involved in film that has as much of their work featuring on one single streaming service. Should Sandler stick to comedies, or is Uncut Gems, one of the darker, more gripping films he features in his best work on Netflix?
Uncut Gems, what’s the hype?
While known for his slap stick humour flicks, Adam Sandler fans were left dumbfounded after his performance in Uncut Gems. The dark indie flick revolves around a jeweller, and his discovery of a rare stone that seems to have mystical powers to any who has it.
The lead character, Howard Ratner (played by Adam Sandler), appears to also have a severe gambling problem, which sees him go through some traumatic experiences. Throughout the film, Sandler’s character needs to come up with resourceful ways to repay money that he owes to a wide range of very shady seeming people.
The movie is non-stop suspense from minute one, and everything from camera angles to musical score develop a sense of uneasiness in the watcher, to the point where watchers may somehow feel connected to Sandler’s character.
One scene that sticks out in particular is when his character desperately requests his mistress to place a series of sports bets, that could now be found listed on online sports betting sites, at a land based casino. The mistress gets money passed through a window, and then takes a chopper to the nearest land based casino, depicting the lengths Sandler’s character will go through to place bets.
All in all, Uncut Gems is arguably the movie that Adam Sandler features in that makes you feel the most. While his comedies can make watchers laugh, Uncut Gems has the power to turn your stomach, and will leave you wanting more from an Adam Sandler that many fans were not even aware of. Arguably one of the best movies to feature on Netflix.
Is Sandler best at comedies?
One could argue that Sandler is best at comedies, but one could also argue that Sandler is best at his own brand of comedy. Sandler’s easy watching slap stick laugh movies have become a brand. Watchers can watch them any time, and can usually get the odd laugh out of him. His brand of humour also tends to divide audiences, with some absolutely loving what he puts out, and other despising the comedian’s films.
One thing is for certain is that his work in Uncut Gems, and his latest movie, Hustle, have appealed to a wider audience, and feel a lot less like the classic, if-you’ve-seen-one-you’be-seen-them-all comedies that can be found on Netflix. This suggests that perhaps Sandler is almost best suited to the more serious roles, that call for a darker, more dramatic performance.
Closing thoughts
While Adam Sandler has inspired plenty of comedians, and has entertained a generation, some could argue that his most memorable work involves the kinds of roles that he is not necessarily known for. His work in Uncut Gems, Hustle, and even Reign Over Me, have had the power to leave more of a mark, on a wider variety of watchers than all of his comedies put together. Uncut Gems stands out the most in this regard, and is why it’s Sandler’s best film on Netflix.
