Saw 3-D (2010)
Directed by: Kevin Greutert
Premise: The seventh film in the Saw series. Immediately following the events of Saw VI, Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) stalks Jigsaw’s ex-wife (Betsy Russell) while a new torture game begins, testing a conman who falsely claims to be a Jigsaw survivor.
What Works: Saw 3-D ought to satisfy fans of the series, as it continues much of what has been appealing about the films; namely, the extreme gore and unusual torture methods.
What Doesn’t: Saw 3-D is purportedly the last chapter in the Saw series. Whether that is true or not remains to be seen, but if it is, this film is an underwhelming send off to the series. Major characters whose stories have been in the substance of the past three movies don’t reach any dramatically satisfying conclusion. Namely, the confrontation between Jill and Detective Hoffman lacks any direct conflict and the resolution of their story reaches a very unimpressive end. At this point in the series, the film needs to widen its ambitions beyond the 3-D gimmick and give the story a larger significance. But Saw 3-D doesn’t do that and it ends up being just another Saw entry rather than a definitive finale.
Bottom Line: Saw 3-D is a letdown. The ending suspiciously leaves open the possibility for further installments but unless the filmmakers can do better than this, it’s time to let this franchise pass away.
Episode: #314 (November 7, 2010)