‘Savages’ opens in Laguna Beach, nationwide on Friday

Nearly a year after filming took over Main Beach, Laguna residents will soon be able to see their city on the big screen: “Savages” opens Friday at Laguna South Coast Cinemas.

The Oliver Stone film, based off of Don Winslow’s novel of the same name, is set in Laguna Beach. It stars Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, Blake Lively, Benicio del Toro, John Travolta, Salma Hayek and more.

According to the summary from the movie’s official website, “Laguna Beach entrepreneurs Ben (Johnson), a peaceful and charitable marijuana producer, and friend Chon (Kitsch), a former Navy SEAL, run a lucrative, homegrown industry -- raising some of the best weed ever developed. They also share a one-of-a-kind love with Ophelia (Lively). Life is idyllic in their Southern California town... until the Mexican Baja Cartel decides to move in and demands that the trio partners with them.”

Opening day showtimes at Laguna South Coast are: 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 and 10:15 p.m. The theater is at 162 S. Coast Hwy. The film is also opening in theaters across Orange County, but what could be cooler than watching a movie that’s set in Laguna Beach while you’re in Laguna Beach?

It will face heavy competition with the highly anticipated “The Amazing Spiderman” opening this week as well.

Film critic Roger Ebert gave the movie an A- in his review.

He opines: “A return to form for Stone’s dark side, it generates ruthless energy and some, but not too much, humor. The movie is a battle between good and evil, you could say, except that everyone in it is evil -- but some are less evil than others, and they all have their good sides.”

Are you going to see “Savages”? Keep an eye out for Laguna landmarks!