Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Plustown A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Candida It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

weho90069 Nineteen year old Sam Bottoms is made to wander miserablythrough the desert without food, water, shoes, or clothes (save apair of shorts). He's been forced to surrender his belongings to asadistic, rifle-wielding adversary -- Andy Griffith (yes, ANDYGRIFFITH -- no kidding!!!). Griffith gets sick kicks from huntingpeople instead of "conventional" prey, and will track Bottoms downfor the big kill unless the youngster can outwit him...Folks familiar with the fine 1930s suspense film "The MostDangerous Game" will see distinct plot parallels. "The MostDangerous Game" possesses one of the most regurgitated plotdevices in Hollywood history: that of the demented hunter with apenchant for tracking down human prey. It's turned up on "FantasyIsland" as well as "Gilligan's Island" and for all we know may oneday make up the plot of a reality-based TV show (God forbid!). However, for any familiarity the material may present, "Savages"gets high marks for offering a fresh retelling of this fable. Full ofurgency, this is highly charged, suspenseful, top flightentertainment turned out by a solid, committed cast. Rugged locales and spare production values enhance what is alurid melodrama full of tension between the principal actors. Thereare even a couple genuine scares that may make you jump out ofyour seat!Andy Griffith is truly arch in his role as villain, brilliantly cast againsttype. He seems to relish this opportunity to stretch every momenthe's on screen (and who can blame him after so many yearsplaying the Good Guy in dreary, old Mayberry?!?). Likable young pup Sam Bottoms appears sincerely vulnerable andsympathetic, trudging barefoot through rugged desert terrain andtumbling down treacherous ravines. He turns in an earnest andathletic performance and for all he goes through, and with the helpof some excellent make-up effects, it's difficult not to imaginesome of his wounds being legit!It winds up being tough to decide who is more fun to watch: Griffith, grinning lasciviously from ear to ear as he harasses andtorments his young prey...the sadistic overtones of his characterbarely restrained... ...or golden-boy hottie Bottoms, the bewildered but stalwart hero,first degraded at gunpoint to strip for the camera, then forced tosubject his lithe, attractive body to any number of physicalhumiliations brought about by the punishing landscape... ...in all, it's a pretty tasty couple hours of entertainment! "Savages" should inform film enthusiasts and TV-viewers of the21st century (particularly those born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s) thatsome excellent productions were crafted for television way back inthe 1970s. The Movie Of The Week format often proved itself: fresh,young talent was given a place to shine, and veteran performersreceived some choice opportunities to expand their repertoire.

sultana-1 Andy Griffith gives a tour-de-force performance as a big-city (!!!) lawyer who is as cunning as he is warped. Sam Bottoms is totally believable as the nature-loving student who suddenly finds himself fighting for his life and his credibility. I sat down to watch this film on commercial TV one early AM, expecting to doze off in 20 minutes, and it was so fast-moving, gripping, and suspenseful, I found I had to watch the whole thing.

rollo_tomaso This is one of the best TV movies I have ever seen, and easily the most sadistic. Andy Griffith is absolute perfection as the crippled big city predatory lawyer and hunting enthusiast who turns guide and nature lover Sam Bottoms into his prey. His performance is a true work of art. But, all the entire players, including Noah Beery Jr. and James Best are perfectly cast. A true game of hearts, mind, and soul. Not to be missed. 10/10

aiwanski I saw this movie a couple times and enjoyed it. Andy Griffith plays a a great role as a psychopath stalking a young man through the desert and mountains. This is the only time I have seen Andy Griffith play a bad guy, and he did it to a tee. I would highly recommend this film if you can ever catch it on TV.