Adam Sandler’s growth as an actor continues, as two of his career-defining projects have been named one of the best movies of the last 25 years, despite Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise only getting credited with one. Sandler became a beloved comedy star thanks to his time as acast member ofSaturday Night Liveand his hit comedies, likeBilly Madison, Happy Gilmore,andBig Daddy.
Now, two of the movies that helped convince people of Sandler’s versatility have been named as among the best movies of the 21st century so far.The New York Timestook on the daunting task of assembling a list of the best movies from the last 25 years, including ranking Adam Sandler’sUncut Gemsat #58 andPunch-Drunk Loveat #56.
What The Ranking Means For Uncut Gems & Punch-Drunk Love
More People Are Discovering Sandler’s Brilliant Thriller
Uncut Gemsmaking the list of the greatest movies of the 21st century shows the growing appreciation for the movie. Indeed, it was hailed by critics when it was released, earning an impressive 91% onRotten Tomatoes, as well as winning Sandler Best Male Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards.
No longer is he seen as a comedic actor who has wowed critics with an unexpected performance, but rather a versatile actor who can jump back and forth between roles like these.
The movie was seen asSandler’s best workto date, with plenty of Oscar buzz for his performance. However, it took audiences a bit longer to get on board with this kind of role from Sandler. While he is funny as Howard, he is also frustrating, obnoxious, pathetic, and sometimes excruciatingly hard to watch. It is a lot to take for fans who are used to cheering forSandler’s character in every moviehe is in.
Arguably more surprising thanUncut Gems’placement is where the list putPunch-Drunk Love.Sandler’s breakout dramatic role inPunch Drunk Loveonly has a score of 79% of Rotten Tomatoes, which may not seem high to justifty a spot on this list, but it’s story and characters has long helped it earn recognition as one of thebest romantic comedies of the 2000s.
Our Take On Uncut Gems & Punch-Drunk Love Being Named Two Of The Best Movies Of The 21st Century
Sandler Is A Big Part Of Uncut Gems' Brilliance
Uncut Gemsis a cinematic experience unlike any other. With no graphic violence or world-saving stakes, it is still one of the most suspenseful and anxiety-inducing movies I have ever experienced.For the thrill ride that it delivers, that alone makes it worthy to be considered one of the best movies of the 21st century.
The directing team of the Safdie Brothers masterfully control the tension, but Sandler is the real star. He is exhilarating from beginning to end, with Howard making one irresponsible decision after another that makes the audience groan, yet still love the journey. He is not concerned with making Howard likable, but just compelling.
It’s nice to seePunch-Drunk Loveon this as well, but what’s perhaps most surprising about this is how much recognition this allots to Adam Sander, relative to other stars. For instance, Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg only have one movie thatThe New York Timescounts as one of the best films of the century:Minority Report, which was directed by Spielberg and starred Cruise.
As a long-time Adam Sandler fan, it’s great to see the actor’s filmography getting so much representation. To have two movies named among the best in the last 25 years is an impressive achievement.
Uncut Gems
Cast
A crime thriller from Josh and Benny Safdie, Uncut Gems follows New York jeweler Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) as his gambling addiction forces him to associate with increasingly dangerous individuals. After receiving an incredibly rare black opal, Howard believes he can finally free himself of his mounting debts, but not without engaging in one final high-stakes balancing act while fending off violent loan sharks.
Punch-Drunk Love
Punch-Drunk Love is a 2002 rom-com starring Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Sandler stars as Barry Egan, the only boy in a group of eight siblings who his sisters always pick on. Despite being successful in life, Barry is lonely and decides to call a phone-sex hotline. But that makes things complicated with his sister’s friend Lena who he thinks has a crush on him.
