“Grow up, Ben. You don’t change the world. It changes you.” —Chon
Today’s quick review: Savages. Chon (Taylor Kitsch) and Ben (Aaron Johnson) are the young owners of an independent marijuana empire based out of Laguna Beach, California. When Elena (Salma Hayek), the head of the Baja cartel, makes a move to take over their business, Chon and Ben attempt to flee the country. But their plans are cut short when Elena’s enforcer Lado (Benicio del Toro) kidnaps their girlfriend Ophelia (Blake Lively).
Savages is a crime drama directed by Oliver Stone. The movie follows a pair of drug entrepreneurs as they try to survive their encounter with a vicious Mexican cartel. Savages features a multifaceted plot that’s full of scheming, risky choices, and betrayal. Interesting twists, bursts of brutal violence, and a few stylistic flourishes give the movie an identity of its own, but it lacks the enduring quality of some of its competition.
Savages has a couple of minor issues that keep it from reaching its full potential. Chon, Ben, and Ophelia work well enough as main characters, but they are not deep enough characters to earn the audience’s sympathy. Although less violent than Elena, they have few positive qualities of their own. Meanwhile, the plot balances a large cast with conflicting motives, but it builds to a mediocre finale that doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Savages fits in comfortably with other mature crime dramas that deal with cartel violence. Its plot and craftsmanship are enough to make it a fine pick for fans of the genre, but it’s missing the superlative quality needed to stand out. The result is an interesting movie with plenty of tension, chaos, and violence, but one that’s easy to miss. Sensitive viewers should steer clear.
For a more sadistic, stylized crime drama from the same director, try Natural Born Killers. For a more dramatically potent crime drama about a drug cartel starring Benicio del Toro, try Sicario. For another brutally violent drama about the drug trade, try The Counselor. For a biographical crime drama about a drug entrepreneur, try Blow. For a more dynamic crime drama starring Benicio del Toro, try The Way of the Gun.
[6.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1615065/). I give it the same for a solid plot with shaky payoff.