Review:
*Originally written April 15th, 2016*
Even with the negative to mixed reviews surrounding Savages, I was still one of the people who were more positive about it and I still feel the same way about it. Also I can't believe this film came out 4 years ago? That's insane, it felt like I only just saw it as a new release.
The story of two pot dealers who have get back their shared girlfriend who is kidnapped by the cartel is certainly uneven and messy in parts, but there is more than enough good stuff here that makes up for the bad.
I'll get the bad out the way first. The ending. What the fuck were they thinking? We essentially get two endings. One that is dark and violent that is more in tone with the film, then one that retcons that ending as some bullshit wish fulfilment of a lead character and then changes it for a much more strange and comedic ending which just felt bizarre. Neither of the endings are particularly great, but the fact they couldn't even commit to one ending is just a strange creative decision.
Oliver Stone is a director who's films have really been lacking as of late, this isn't amazing by any stretch, but it's a step in the right direction after such duds like World Trade Center and Wall Street 2. This feels more in line with his '90s work with it's beautiful and strange imagery and grizzly violence. All the action scenes pack a great punch and look visually interesting. In the particular the hijacking of a cash shipment and even the final scene, which is made pointless, but it had enough of an impact to sorta make it feel worth it.
The performances is are fine, no one was particularly amazing. Kick-Ass was serviceable, Taylor Kitsch wasn't terrible and Blake Lively was okay, but some of her dialogue in the narration is atrocious. This was a real line from the film "I had orgasms, he had wargasms", who on earth thought that was a good line? Actually Benecio Del Toro was pretty great as the psychotic cartel second in command? I'm not too sure what his role was actually, it's never really said. Either way, he was wonderfully disgusting and creepy, maybe it was just the paedophile 'stache.
I will admit, I do have a soft spot for anything cartel related, so I was more than willing to forgive a lot of this film's flaws. I do still believe it is underrated though, and unfairly treated. It's messy, but I'm hoping to see it hopefully become something of a cult classic.
I also have to note, it has one of the best ringtones in film history, possibly even the best. Actually yes, this has the best film ringtone in history, I will never go back on that statement.
Savages is uneven, messy and maybe even a bit too long, but it's mostly a grizzly, violent and fairly entertaining cartel thriller with a somewhat return to form from Oliver Stone.
7/10 Dans
Savages is out now on Blu-ray and DVD in the UK
Watch the trailer below:
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