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The Savages enters theaters in a season of family films and holiday blockbusters.  Tough crowd for a film that is a comedy 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 relatively 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 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 makes it not for 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.  

Matt Mungle (matt@mungleshow.com)(11/28/07)

Matt is a member of the North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) and co-hosts a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies, with his wife Cindy. For additional reviews, interview clips and great DVD giveaways, visit the website www.mungleshow.com

Review copyright 2007 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.

To hear Matt's interview with Writer/Director Tamara Jenkins click below!

http://www.mungleshow.com/tjenkins.mp3