Saw

Jigsaw (2017)

I did not like this movie. None of the characters were likable, the story (if you can call it that) was boring and unoriginal, and the dialogue felt like it was ripped out of a bad CSI episode.

Saw (2004)

As promised yesterday, here’s the first of the Summer See Saw Sundays. I like this movie. It basically started an interesting (at least at first) trend in movies, some better than others, and created a new niche in the horror genre.

Saw 3D/The Final Chapter (2010)

Well, we’re finally at the end. I wish I were a little less sleepy tonight because this one actually wasn’t bad.

I felt like the story was a bit truer to the intent of the original movie. I was happy that mostly everyone got what was coming to them. And I was happy to see (spoiler ahead) Dr. Gordon make his appearance.

I’d definitely give this one four out of five stars, and for more than just Sean Patrick Flannery! Oh yeah – he’s in this too.

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.

Saw V (2008)

Sadly, this was another uninspired entry in this franchise that certainly hasn’t inspired me to write anything.

Oh, but it did have Julie Benz, so there’s that.

Saw VI (2009)

Unsurprisingly, this movie didn’t really add anything to the franchise so (again unsurprisingly) I don’t have much to add about it. It felt like the most unnecessarily gruesome and graphic of the lot so far, though.

On the plus side, there’s only one left! They say all good things must come to an end…hopefully all not-so-good things must come to an end as well.

(Okay, spoilers ahead) Seriously, though, just when I thought that jackass was going to get what was coming to him, it looks like he’ll be back for next week’s finale. Sigh.

Saw X (2023)

Thankfully, any misgivings I originally had about this film were unwarranted. I mostly enjoyed it!

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.