Again, as I have stated recently, I movie reviews will be reserved for foreign films. However, here I will make an exception, seeing as "Savages" is based on the novel of the same name by Don Winslow, a favorite author of mine.
Now, the book wasn't one of my favorites by Winslow, but still pretty solid. I was intrigued when I saw that this film would be coming out. A story of two successful San Diego pot-growers/dealers, who see their mutual girlfriend (yep, that's right, she found time for both) kidnapped by a large Mexican drug cartel who want to muscle in on their drug action, "Savages" makes for a pretty good movie story line.....under normal circumstances. Things change when Oliver Stone enters the fray.
My Uncle Paul told me recently that he doesn't trust Stone. Those are wise words. I don't really know what he's done that was so spectacular (was Platoon really that good?), and I think he showed here how he can take a good thing and just completely bottle it. In the novel, much of the story is taken up by the two main characters (Chon and Ben) giving into the cartel demands, but at the same time hitting their drug/money shipments, making it seem like other parties are getting involved. It can be pretty high octane stuff, and, again, suitable for a fun film. Unfortunately Stone decided not to go that route, but instead chose a slower way of telling the story, and included the most gratuitous sex scenes (I don't understand the purpose of sex scenes in a film. There is a genre dedicated to that kind of thing....it can be found anywhere on the internet) and most gruesome torture scenes from the novel, while generally forgoing the best parts.
He tries to get fancy with the choreography and give the film a special tinge, but it just comes off as kinda dumb. He doesn't even really do a good job of telling the story, making it a bit confusing. The acting for the most part is just so-so. The actors playing the three main characters I had never heard of before. John Travolta doesn't light up the screen in his small role as a corrupt DEA agent. I do give a shout out to Benecio Del Toro and Selma Hayek. Del Toro is one of my favorites, and he plays an insane cartel hitman, and does a really solid job, and even has some stand-out lines. Selma Hayek is the cartel leader and not only acts through it well (I'm sure despite Stone's best efforts) but is still sexy as all hell, no matter how old she is.
All in all, it really wasn't anything special save for Del Toro's acting. The story is a good one, thanks to Winslow, but Stone ends up taking it the wrong direction, at least as I see it. It could have been much better. Instead, its just pretty pointless, and a waste of 10 bucks.
Verdict: I would't recommend it, but maybe, maybe worth a rent when other options are limited. Read the book instead. Grade: C-.
If you liked this movie you might also like: probably other Stone movies...but that's your problem.
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