I admire what the Safdie bros have created. It is original and they stick fearlessly to their idea. Here comes the compliment ... the film reminds me of the Coen brothers or Tarantino ... but without the finesse. If you like raw, then Uncut Gems is for you. Who am I to comment? I couldn't create what they have and I am just viewing it; then I have the audacity to comment upon it. But that's the deal ... there is a custom by which people such as myself are self appointed critics and then I indulge myself by writing about such a movie. I have read a number of bona fide critic's reviews and I am amazed at how taken they are with it. Did I enjoy it? Well it filled 2 hours 15 minutes when I couldn't find anything else to watch. Is it a film that could appeal to my mentality? In theory it should. Did I find it believable? ... no. But then, that doesn't matter. Was I shocked by it? Well in a world of cartoons, I would say this is a shocking cartoonesque style of effort. Do I think that there is some latent genius lurking behind what is presented here? Sure do. Here is another compliment ... I can't slot this movie conveniently into a zone that I recognize ... but then a lot of movies are like that and originality in art is a high achievement. What can I say in closing? This movie is on the border of greatness but if I am honest about it, it will sit on the border in my mind and I will be left wondering if the Safdie brothers will create something in the future that transcends this effort? Let's hope so.

p.s. am I imagining things or did I see Martin Scorcese's name in the credits? From memory, doesn't he make really great movies that make sense, leave a lasting impression and always leave you wanting for more?