The Savages
In theaters December 2nd 2007
some sexuality and language
Run Time: 113 min
Matt's rating - 3.5
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Review by Matt Mungle
See below for our interview with Writer/Director
Tamara Jenkins!
The Savages enters theaters in a season of
family films and holiday blockbusters. Tough
crowd for a film that is a comedy but with a
dark cloud constantly surrounding it. Can
solid writing and superb acting bring
box-office results? You would like to think
so but the truth is we want to walk out of
the theater feeling jolly this time of year.
While you are out hustling your bustle you
want entertainment that is light and cheery.
That fact alone may cause many to pass over
this film. But those who want a movie that is
at the core fantastic film making, may want to head to
the nearest art house and
check it out.
The Savages is written and directed by Tamara
Jenkins who has been pretty quiet since her
1998 hit Slums of Beverly Hills. This time
she brings a script that is based loosely on
events in her own life while shining light on
a real life situation that impacts many
people's lives. The story revolves around 2 adult
siblings (Laura Linney and
Philip Seymour Hoffman) who are brought
together in order to care for their ailing
father (Philip Bosco) who is battling
dementia. Though a series subject, Tamara
manages to mix in humor and light moments
that cause you to laugh along with the
characters as well as stress with them over
the decisions they have to make.
The acting is incredible. Hoffman and Linney
prove why talent is more than a name and
a high profile. They work together to bring a
fictitious family to life and make the
sibling element believable. The side plots
that deal with their own personal
relationships and careers add a dimension to
the film and break the level of tension. They
bicker nicely and have a comfortable rapport.
Besides the father there are no other
characters to carry the plot and story. This
puts the weight completely on the shoulders
of the two main leads. And they carry it to
the end.
The Savages is rated R for some sexuality and
language. It is a dramatic comedy and the theme
alone is enough
reason not to include younger audiences. Otherwise,
the language is relevant to the
characters without being gratuitous. The same
applies to the sexuality. It is there as an
emotional element and gives an insight into
the mental state of the character. Tamara
delivers a solid script and the cast brings
it to life nicely. I give it 3.5 out of 5 private rooms.
==============================
My interview with Tamara Jenkins!
Click
image to listen.
============================================================
Matt and Cindy are members of the North Texas
Film
Critics Association (NTFCA). For additional
reviews
and interview clips visit the website.
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