The Savages

Philip Seymour Hoffman wraps up a great year after stealing scenes in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead and Charlie Wilson’s War, with his subtle portrayal as half of a sibling rivalry in Tamara Jenkins’ The Savages. His better half is played by the extremely talented Laura Linney (convincible in her neurotic frenzy) as they deal with their ailing father.

The two actors work well together, engaging in believable arguments, constantly trying to one-up each other through their dysfunctional lives.

While the film is a pleasing dramedy, it remains a forgettable piece of work. The talent that the actors possess isn’t nearly used to its full capacity. B-

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