"Saw" Eyes

Advantages: Interesting if under-developed sub-plot and a reasonable cast
Disadvantages: Tired OTT concepts, lackng in real suspense and ropey special effects

...Plot: Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) continues the murderous work of the deceased serial killer, John "Jigsaw" Kramer (Tobin Bell), setting up torturous traps to test individuals' wills to "learn" and survive. Meanwhile Bobby Dagen (Sean Patrick Flanery) carves a career out of the lie that he has survived one of Jigsaw's traps. On the success of his best-selling book, he brings together a group of real survivors for his inspirational DVD, but little realizes that he really will be tested through a series of traps that will hold the lives of his co-conspirators and those closest to him in the balance. Hoffman has problems of his own as Jigsaw's widow, Jill Tuck (Betsy Russell), agrees to reveal Hoffman's secret double life in turn for immunity from prosecution... For a brief overview the whole series please see my review of "Saw VI...

BlackSwan 01.01.1970 · Read review
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Review of Saw 3D (DVD)

The Saw Stops Here

Advantages: Classic Saw appeal, easy to watch, entertaining, good cast
Disadvantages: Somewhat weaker storyline/ending than I had hoped perhaps

...I was really looking forward to watching this because I've loved the previous Saw films. Unfortunately I didn't get around to seeing it at the cinema, but I can only imagine that the 3D element and cinematic experience added to its enjoyment. I understand that some would see Saw as dragging on unnecessarily long, re-running the same ground or becoming progressively unbelievable. However, I still found the Final Chapter an interesting watch with inventive twists and killings, yet it still managed to retain it's classic style and appeal. This is the 7th and final instalment in the series. It sees the return of Saw VI's director (Kevin Greutert) and scriptwriters Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan. Their experience and expertise shines through and creates a film with a solid sense of identity that is in keeping with its previous...

gothic_moon 01.01.1970 · Read review
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Review of Saw - The Final Chapter (DVD)

Saw Point

Advantages: Good concept
Disadvantages: Bargain basement acting

...a checklist of available flourishes. Gimmicks aside, ?Saw? works as a competent serial killer flick, making the audience jump in all the right places. Unfortunately the standard of acting doesn?t live up to the imaginative premise. The main problem is the casting and characterisation of the two leads. The thing is, neither Adam nor Dr Gordon are written to be likeable and the more we learn about them, the less likely we are to empathise with them. In fact I was rooting for their deaths. Though Leigh Whannell may have co-written the script, his lack of acting credentials is very apparent. For the majority of the film he doesn?t look as though he fears for his life. He eventually grows into the character of Adam, but by that time the film is almost over. British-born Cary Elwes has made a career of playing bland good guys and toothless villains...

afy9mab 01.01.1970 · Read review
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Review of Saw (DVD)