Sports betting is about to hit the silver screen with none other than Hollywood superstar Adam Sandler taking the reins as he plays the lead role in the upcoming movie entitled “Uncut Gems.”
This time around, Sandler would be taking on a more somber role than his usual comedic riffs in the movie that would be released on December 13. The “Happy Gilmore” star is playing the role of Howard Ratner — a jeweler in New York who gets involved in sports betting in a big way through some high-stakes betting. This eventually leads to his character getting in deep with some less-than-reputable characters.
A look at the movie’s trailer shows early bets appearing to pay off. However, as the story progresses, Ratner becomes embedded in the sports betting world and one issue after another begin to crop up.
The film, which is directed by brothers Joshua and Benjamin Safdie, made its premier at the Telluride Film Festival last month. It was also shown at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month.
Sandler’s performance was given critical acclaim with many Hollywood pundits considering him a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination. Wendy Ide from “The Guardian” even gave the movie a fresh review and described it as “audacious, thrilling and exhausting”.
According to the movie website IMDB, the plot synopsis describes how “the jewelry store owner and dealer to the rich and famous must find a way to pay his debts when his merchandise is taken from one of his top sellers and girlfriend.”
Other stars that appear in the movie include former NBA MVP Kevin Garnett, who plays himself, and New York sports radio personality, Mike Francesa.
A number of movies have been released over the years that depict sports betting in different lights. Among the most popular ones are “Two for the Money,” which stars Matthew McConaughey and Al Pacino. Other popular sports betting-themed movies include “Eight Men Out,” “Lay the Favorite,” “The Hustler, and “Bookies.”
