Savages

Drugs are something that have become very ingrained into our society. Hollywood has made many films about drug dealers, now it is Oliver Stone's turn.
It seems Oliver Stone has taken a step back from making more politically motivated films and instead directing films which are more interested in entertaining than informing. That is not a bad thing. The basic plot of 'Savages' is fairly routine. In experienced drug dealers become so popular that they attract the interest of more hardcore drug dealers from south of the border. The film is made up of really interesting characters. It also has a very fascinating 3-way relationship. I found the dynamic of Chon, O and Ben is one which you could read a lot into. I may have read into it more than you might expect and perhaps saw something which was not there. Just my dirty thoughts I suppose. Nothing new is presented about the whole drug industry and how it is run. It does reinforce the notion that there is no significant way we can stop drugs from being imported into the USA or even Australia. It is human nature to become addicted to something that makes you feel good. So regardless of the side effects people will always want it. Drug cartels know this and they make huge amounts of money off this addiction, so why would they want it stopped. It also helps that they can bribe law enforcement agents so the authorities don't do anything. Oliver has made a very entertaining film about a familiar subject. I thought it was a refreshing change that a woman was in charge of the drug cartel. I also liked the ending which lets you decide how you want things to turn out.
Finally Taylor Kitsch has made a film which gives him something more substantial to work with. Aaron Johnson seems to be getting better with each film he makes and is radically different in each film. They play two very different characters here and it plays out like two sides of the same coin. Which is perhaps why Blake Lively's character of O falls in love with them both. She can experience both a guy which is sensitive and one which is more manly. Blake is quite good and is certainly growing as an actress. The trio is surrounded by an excellent trio of more experienced actors. John Travolta provides most of the films humour and it is his best performance in a long time. Benicio Del Toro is brilliantly menacing as a drug henchman. His erratic behaviour means you are always on edge each time he comes on screen. The best performance though is Salma Hayek. She has the cool calm nastiness which makes her a great villain. But she also has a sensitive side which leads to her downfall. Salma manages to play both sides of this character so well. I think she could earn some awards nominations at then end of the year.
While it does not tread new territory in the world of drug dealers it does make a great piece of entertainment. It also has some excellent performances.