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Lively, meanwhile, continues to expand on the unexpected glimmers of strength she revealed in 2010's "The Town," in contrast to her glamorous persona on- and off-camera. She's called upon for more physical and emotional rigors than ever before and, for the most part, rises to Stone's challenge. As our guide through this shadowy world, she's also saddled with delivering the film's sometimes-smothering narration; some lines that perhaps read better on paper clang on the ear, like the one in which she states that she had orgasms while Kitsch's character had "wargasms." Approaching such language (and the voiceover in general) from the perspective that it's intended as a fundamental piece of film noir-style filmmaking makes it more relevant, though not necessarily more tolerable. Among the other colorful characters with something at stake in this increasingly are John Travolta as a DEA agent on the take and Emile Hirsch as the genius who finds complicated ways to hide the guys' money. Stone clearly has a pro-drug message here -- or at least an anti-war-on-drugs message: Everything falls apart once controls start being exerted. That's unsurprising, given the open way in which he's discussed drug use throughout his life. What is surprising is the fact that he's not beating us over the head with it. "Savages" is an enjoyably gratuitous romp, but with something to say. "Savages," a Universal Pictures release, is rated R for strong brutal and grisly violence, some graphic sexuality, nudity, drug use and language throughout. Running time: 129 minutes. Three stars out of four. ___ Motion Picture Association of America rating definitions: G -- General audiences. All ages admitted. PG -- Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. PG-13 -- Special parental guidance strongly suggested for children under 13. Some material may be inappropriate for young children. R -- Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. NC-17 -- No one under 17 admitted.
[Associated
Press;
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