Darren Lynn Bousman

Death of Me (2020)

There’s a lot to like about this film, but it didn’t quite land for me.

Mother's Day (2010)

It’s Mother’s Day in the USA (unintentional rhyme, sorry?), so this is…well, it’s not really “appropriate” but it’s…fitting?

Saw II (2005)

This one, while also written by Leigh Whannell, just wasn’t quite as good as the first one. It’s more disturbing for the sake of being disturbing, dark for the sake of being dark, and the story just isn’t quite as interesting.

I’ll give it one thing, though – the twist at the very end was pretty good. Not entirely unexpected or unpredictable, but well timed and well placed.

It doesn’t make me hopeful for the next 5 films, though. Well, I guess we’ll see next week!

Saw III (2006)

Okay, now here’s an addition to the franchise I can get behind. This movie was engaging and entertaining and unlike the previous film actually got me excited about watching the next one.

I think perhaps my favorite part of this one (or at least the most well done part) is how, just when you start thinking that they’ve strayed far from the intent and rationale behind the first movie, the twist is revealed and the original meaning restored. It’s epic and quite satisfying.

Saw IV (2007)

This one was okay. I’m glad I’m spacing these out to one a week because I think I’m already burned out on Saw movies.

On the one hand, I feel like this director has finally hit his rhythm with this franchise. There weren’t as many artsy effects or weird close-ups as there have been in the past two films. I’m a little disappointed that this is the last film in the franchise from this director.

Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)

It’s been a while since I’d watched a Saw movie. I was a bit worried - especially since the last one I watched was originally billed as the “final chapter” (though I did like that one).

Anyway, I guess this is technically a standalone story? With Darren Lynn Bousman returning to direct. And I was pleasantly surprised by it.

Tales of Halloween (2015)

Normally I have trouble rating anthology films. Often the segments vary in quality, tone, or entertainment value. I had no trouble rating this one, though. Five out of five, no question. Well, some questions.