Review - Savages

A Savage Assault On The Screen

Ben (Taylor Kitsch) and Chon (Aaron Johnson) have the number one pot business on the west coast. In fact their weed is thought of as some of the best in the world. As business partners Ben is the muscle, while Chon is the businessman and business is good. But playtime is also good with O (Blake Lively)in their lives. There is an open relationship between the three. Everyone loves each other but their lives are about to get turned upside down.

As if ripped from the headlines, a Mexican cartel wants in on the best action on the coast. That cartel, headed by the mysterious Elena (Salma Hayek)is about to look for their piece of the pie. They know that their method of pure evil force will win most people over, but Chon and Ben are not most people.

As the cartel takes O, Ben and Chon start to come around. Now will they sell the business they worked hard to create or make a run for it? The extremely bloody truth is, no one really knows how to deal with savages.

Oliver Stone gives us a film that feels ripped from the headlines. Mexican cartels that use violence and brute force to get what they want and a drug that could one day be legal, but now is a cash cow for those that have the best of the bunch create a truly fascinating plot for the film.

Cast some great looking young actors like Kitsch and Lively alongside true pros like Del Toro, Travolta and Hayek and it seems like a winning combination. From an acting perspective it almost works.

But when the film gets hung up on trying to be too cool, it falls flat. A stylish swipe at the ending of the film just gets muddled and almost laughable. An attempt to work too many characters into the intricate plot means too many quality performances are left with unsatisfying ends. And the violence, yes the ENDLESS violence proves to be too much to take before the film reaches its climax.

While there is a true discussion to be had here, it felt like a first time director with the reins instead of the veteran stone. Unfortunately Savages somewhat savaged the plot and the viewer is left to sort out the carnage. It simply results in a savage assault on the screen.

 

B-/C+

Savages

Universal Pictures

Director: Oliver Stone

Cast: Blake Lively, Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, Benicio Del Toro, Demian Bichir, Salma Hayek, John Travolta

Rating: R for strong brutal and grisly violence, some graphic sexuality, nudity, drug use and language throughout.

Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes