Horror Extreme Movie Catalog

I'm a big fan of the SAW movies, and consider the whole SAW "experience" to be one of Hollywood's best horror efforts.

SAW IV's main objectives are twofold: (1)to tie up all the loose ends of the past 3 movies and give some background into Jigsaw's madness and (2) to set the stage for SAW V, and the continuation of more terror from another evil genius who is about to take Jigsaw's place. Without a doubt, the surprise ending of SAW IV will segue perfectly into the beginning of SAW V.

Out of all four SAW movies, this one is the most gruesome, the most visually astounding one yet. I found I had to look away at the grizzly scenes, and I totally COULD NOT stomach the autopsy scene (pun not intended), not one bit. Ditto for the scene in the hotel room. Yukkk!

Yet, despite the torture, pain and blood, I rate SAW IV very highly for its unique narrative and editing; for the low-keyed, yet intense acting; and for raising the bar for the horror movie genre. To all concerned with this franchise, a job well done!

Forgive my silly title, but that's what I (and apparently others) experienced after leaving the theatre. Not to say Saw 4 did not suceed as an enjoyable movie (certainly at this point at #4 in a horror series). But the problem is there is so much messing around with the timeline and flashback scenes than ever before that it becomes difficult to keep up, at least for me. I guess that's why I came out more impressed upon initial viewing than the second time around, cause I thought "Confusing, but wow that's good, right? It makes one think?" I realize that doesn't always work well. But anyways, after the second viewing of Saw 4 I realized that although the movie is constructed in a similar manner as previous films with the flashbacks and its unpredictable ending, it became a little too much this time, and its like they completely made up a wacko ending. Of course you can't see it coming, but it could have been anyone (well, you'll see what I mean I don't want to give it away).

You might wonder how the film could star Tobin Bell since he is dead, but that is where flashbacks come into play, and possibly one of the better enjoyments of Saw 4 is seeing the very origins of Jigsaw, all the way back to his wife. We even get to see his very first victim and trap, and yes it's bloody enough. Speaking of traps, as one would expect, they are present throughout Saw 4 and still bloody, graphic, and horrifying. I didn't feel they were as disturbing as Saw 3, and overall some of the traps are unique and interesting as others are almost boring, but I won't give away any details. Rigg (Lyric Bent, returning from Saw 2 & 3) is the one we spend most of the time seeing tested in Saw 4, although the games seem to be growing in numbers for eveyone, such as detective Mathews (yes he has still survived, and still played by Donnie Wahlberg) and FBI agents, just to name a few, and there's all those lesser roles who get the pleasure of sitting in those actual torture devices.

Saw 4 only works because it's keeping a series going and telling quite a story while always creating more (yes Saw V is due out in theatres this year, and they are planning on Saw VI next year). As a horror film, Saw 4 lost some of it umph because of the story telling, and getting to know some of the charcaters a bit more (such as Tobin Bell and his ex-wife) but that still makes it a good watch for fans. The moral of "cherish your life" is still present, however the obsession (in Rigg's case) of trying to save everyone (only they can save themselves) is brought to attention. Well, I never though there was anything wrong with trying to help save people, but apparently Jigsaw believe's otherwise and shows us (and Riggs) why.

Acting - 3
Characters - 3.5
Gore/Horror - 4.5
Story - 4
Overall - 3.5