Savages (**1/2 out of ****)

Oliver Stone is somewhat back baby! Savages isn't one of Stone's recent political undertakings but back to the material that made Stone popular. Hard, uncompromising, moral defining, bloody, and obscene. This is a return to form, although Stone is still not quite there yet. Savages is too long for the kind of film it is and often can be quite boring. However It's nice to see Stone doing an original story.

Chon (Taylor Kitsch) and Ben (Aaron Johnson) are best friends and work together in quite the controversial business. Ben grows some the best Marijuana in the world and Chon is the muscle that keeps things moving smoothly. They both are in love with their shared girlfriend "O" (Blake Lively) who is acts as our narrator. Chon's, Ben's and O's lives are turned upside down by a cartel lord (Salma Hayek) will do anything to partner up with the two boys. This includes kidnapping O.

Savages has some strengths and features that make it worthwhile but not saving graces. Benicio Del Toro who plays a ruthless henchman working for Hayek is very effective as a villain. His cold and cruel actions make him easy to hate. Savages also benefits from a very quick and energetic style to it. This is done through fast editing and different color filters. It gives the film a bit of a fascinating edge. Oliver Stone is trying again and it's worth a view.

**1/2 out of ****