Saw IV

Posted by Joe Ngo (joe@filmschoolrejects.com) on November 1, 2007

If it’s Halloween… it must be SAW. Those words definitely ring true this Halloween Season. Unlike Halloween, Saw IV has allowed Jigsaw to rise from the dead and grace us with his delightfully deranged tests and traps during Halloween. After a slightly disappointing third installment, I was expecting this one to get the franchise going again with a bang… and it delivered.

Anyone who hasn’t had their head buried in the sand knows what Saw means. Jigsaw, played to Tobin Bell, captures various people whom he feels need to be tested, to let them really appreciate their lives. In this one, it is Rigg, from the same police force that Jigsaw has decimated throughout the series. The FBI have decided to step in and help the force figure out the mystery behind Jigsaw. It appears that even in his death, there are still traps being set, and someone helping him. Rigg is dragged through a series of situations where he must test people so that he can help save a missing officer. Of course, he must remember that he too is being tested, and must be careful about his actions to keep his fellow officer alive. Jigsaw’s history is also explored in this installment, showing us how he transformed from a successful engineer to manic killer.

As I’ve stated before, this film definitely delivered. The traps were well planned, and the movie messed with your head just enough. It gave you all that you’ve come to expect from Saw, and then a bit more. While not as good as the first, I think this is easily the second best film in the series so far. Gore fans won’t be disappointed, and horror fans will not be disappointed. It’s the perfect Halloween movie. There were some ambiguities that I would’ve liked to see resolved during the film, but who knows, it might lead to another Saw, and we’re all looking forward to that.

If you’re looking for a Halloween movie, then this is the one. While the kids are done trick or treating and you’re looking for something to finish off the night, make your way to the local theatre and check this one out. It’ll get into your head and create the perfect Halloween mood. After all.. it is Saw.

The Upside: Excellent traps, and a pretty good story. Tobin Bell was excellent again in his role.

The Downside: A few things I would’ve liked to see resolved in this film…

On the Side: This is the first Saw movie not to feature the bathroom made famous in the first film.

Grade: B+

Release Date: October 26, 2007 Rated: R for sequences of grisly bloody violence and torture throughout, and for language. Running Time: 108 min. Cast: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Lyriq Bent, Dina Meyer Director: Darren Lynn Bousman Screenplay: Patrick Melton, Marcus Dunstan, Thomas Fenton Studio: Lionsgate Films Official Website: Saw4.com

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