Inside Game
Inside Game

Movie spotlight

Inside Game

2019
Movie
97 min
English

In 2007, when NBA referee Tim Donaghy got caught betting on games he worked, he said two men associated with the Gambino crime family - a bookie named Baba Battista and a drug dealer named Tommy Martino - threatened to kill his family if he didn't give them gambling picks. That's what Donaghy told the FBI, that's what he told 60 Minutes, and that's what he testified in court. But that's not what really happened. That's not even close. INSIDE GAME is the untold true story of one of the biggest scandals in sports history.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Metacritic83/100
Google Users85%
Director: Benny Safdie, Josh SafdieGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

As a gambling addict, New York City jeweler Howard Ratner takes a huge risk in his pursuit of the ultimate score, pushing his wife and kids, his job, and his finances to the brink. The film follows Howard's increasingly desperate attempts to pay off his debts and achieve financial freedom through a series of high-stakes bets and risky deals.

Critical Reception

Uncut Gems was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its intense pacing, directing, performances (especially Sandler's), and visual style. Many critics lauded it as a masterclass in tension and a standout performance from Adam Sandler.

What Reviewers Say

  • A relentlessly tense and anxiety-inducing cinematic experience.

  • Adam Sandler delivers a career-defining performance as a deeply flawed protagonist.

  • The Safdie brothers craft a visceral and stylish thriller that immerses the viewer in its chaotic world.

Google audience: Audiences praised the film's gripping intensity and Adam Sandler's phenomenal performance, with many calling it one of his best roles. The unique visual style and relentless pacing were also frequently highlighted as major strengths.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Male Lead (Adam Sandler) at the Independent Spirit Awards and included in numerous 'Best of 2019' lists.

Fun Fact

The distinctive visual style of the film, characterized by its saturated colors and frantic editing, was deliberately employed by the Safdie brothers to mirror the chaotic and overwhelming mental state of the protagonist, Howard Ratner.

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