Review of Savages (2012) by Jonathan L — 26 Jun 2014

Not a great movie, but certainly deserving of more.

Savages is yet another movie to be released in the last three years that seems to be universally hated by the internet just for the sake of hating on it. It may not be a great movie but it is well worth a viewing.

This is most definitely a return to form for Oliver Stone. Savages has a compelling story, well filmed action, and some interesting characters to boot. Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson prove themselves to be good actors in this movie. Blake Lively is more here for eye candy but she also has some nice moments. John Travolta is good and Benicio del Toro is sinister as ever. But the real show stopper is Salma Hayek as the ruthless cartel leader. She is one of the few female villainess's in recent memory who you really don't want to mess with.

The movie is not without its flaws. At times the acting may have felt off, partially due to Oliver Stones decision to not do so many takes. And the writing occasionally had me lost in all the flashiness of the camerawork. The ending may have some people reeling with rage or raving with joy. I can't be the judge since everyone has their own opinion.

Overall. This is a good movie. I wish people would accept today's movies for what they are instead of endlessly comparing them to other films and panning them just to make themselves feel smart. Savages is one of the grittiest and most explicit movies you will see in the year 2012. By that standard, it also happens to be one of the most well crafted gore/sex/drug ridden action thrillers you will see as well. Take it or leave it.

I say check it out!