Savages
Metascore
59 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 41 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 41
  3. Negative: 7 out of 41
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  1. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Joe Williams
    Jul 5, 2012
    88
    At the confluence of altered states and state-sanctioned violence, this drug-fueled thriller is Stone's most successfully provocative picture since "JFK."
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    Jul 4, 2012
    88
    A return to form for Stone's dark side, Savages generates ruthless energy and some, but not too much, humor.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    Jul 4, 2012
    83
    Savages is Oliver Stone doing what he should have done a long time ago: making a tricky, amoral, down-and-dirty crime thriller that's blessedly free of any social, topical, or political relevance.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 139 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 46
  3. Negative: 10 out of 46
  1. certified_hater
    3
    To open this review I
  2. soupdumplings
    0
    Steer clear of this movie - it is terrible. I love action/suspense thrillers and went to see Savages after seeing an overall positive score for it on Metacritic. I have no idea how Savages got a score of 62 - I would give it a 2 at best. Save your time, brain and money and see something else.… Full Review »
  3. TastyJamProject
    9
    Oliver Stone is back in ruthless form in this in-depth exploration of the war on drugs, drug dealing, and the inner workings of Mexican drug cartels. As a viewer who has seen his previous work, I wondered if some of the influence of the Iraq/Afghanistan war veteran character was a reflection of Oliver Stone's Platoon and his own experiences in the vietnam war. The torture scenes echo the brutality of that earlier film, and push the limits of grotesquery. But nothing is over the top. As someone who has read articles and studied the war on drugs, everything in this film is realistic. The performances are amazing, a surprising Travolta is electrifying. This is his best work since Pulp Fiction. Del Toro once again humanizes a horrific and unique character and Hayek holds her own. The younger leads, Kitsch and Johnson are also exceptional, at times I found myself forgetting they were acting on screen. The only downside to this film was Blake Lively, who seems to be acting like less of a bimbo-airhead-california blonde and instead just acting like her normal self. Her skills aren't really up to par but that's not to say it wasn't an adequate job, but in a film with powerhouse performances from Travolta and Del Toro, it is noticeable. Overall, the film was an exceptional thrill ride and exploration of the war on drugs. It's got Stone's subtle metaphors and hints and the "surprise" ending is one of the best endings I've seen in years. A warning, though - the film is exceptionally violent and ruthless. Savage, actually.… Full Review »
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