Review of Savages (2012) by Dave J — 13 Jan 2014

Wednesday, January 8, 2013.

(2012) Savages.

CRIME/ DRAMA.

The few glimpse scenes that happened on the beginning is also part of the ending as well, but quite forgettable. Focusing the lives of three people, Ben( Aaron Taylor-Johnson), Chon (Taylor Kitsch) and O (Blake Lively) this three way relationship ring is something coming out of François Truffaut's 1962 film "Jules et Jim", and the 2003 film directed by Bernardo Bertollucci called "The Dreamers". As we see O making out with Chon, and then by the time Ben shows up she makes out with him too for they seem to share and trust one another with the utmost respect no matter what the circumstances. All three have different backgrounds such as Chon served, and Ben seems to be much more educated while O is just relief. They're into the drug business and it's very successful except that one of the cartels who happens to be a her played by Salma Hayek want to expand by inhibiting some of their most popular spots, since it's profitable. (I've seen this kind of set before called "Sugar Hill") And that she would grant them a specific percent to work for them in terms of training and so forth.... All three of them already aware that once they agree to do this, that they may never be able to get out. So all three plan to just leave and hide out on some other somewhere where they can't be found except that the cartels had been following them all along kidnapping their O obviously using her as a tool so that they can get what they want. The movie then dwells on Ben and Chon with help from other sources including a corrupt cop named Dennis (John Travolta), and at the same time using their wits and training experience to get O back since cartels usually kill their captors anyway if the opportunity arises.

Although it may seem way too long, it's still unpredictable, but because it's available on rental viewers can use their fast forward button whenever they want while playing onto some unnecessary parts that with a little editing may make it much more involving instead of prolonging it's audience to a lot of nothing. Adapted from the novel by Don Winslow who co-wrote it with the director Oliver Stone, this is an unusual movie which should had shown a shorter version leaving the extended version optional on regular DVD.

2.5 out of 4 stars.