Saw 3D

Saw 3D
2010
Directed By: Kevin Greutert
Starring: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor

And the (hopefully) final chapter has been written. This ghastly series of movies has finally come to an end, or so we think. Was it worth making seven different movies showing people relentlessly murdered for wrongs they have done in their lives? Yeah, probably. There's something appealing to us about seeing repugnant episodes of human brutality that brings us closer to something. I don't know what that something is, but I don't know if I want to.

The Saw series began in 2004 with a well-constructed idea of a man who wants people to appreciate life. In 2005, the series was brought up again with a fun (and I think better) sequel. After that, the downhill slope of cinema began. After the first two movies, it has become more of a chore to drag myself to the theater, or even add a title to my Netflix queue. Nevertheless, I find myself intrigued by these (as a friend would say, "Sawesome") flicks. Watching make-up and so-called body parts fly around in 3D is definitely something new.

Bringing about different story lines, all the Saw movies are supposed to be connected. Yet, each new one feels like a stretch from the actual story. Hope was regained for a little bit during Saw IV, but was destroyed again by the unimaginably terrible Saw V. The only thing that made that movie possibly good was Julie Benz. But even with Benz in a black-haired role, the series seemed to have lost whatever edge was left. The mindless story-telling and acting made for even more unwatchable scenes than the ones showing a man's leg get ripped apart.

This final chapter (or so they say) in the series brought in the newly found (and no where close to perfected) 3D technology. Adding a little touch here and there is not worth $3.50 extra at the ticket counter. Sorry James Cameron, but it seems like you're the only one who knows what you're doing. Just make Avatar 2 happen and we'll all be happy.

As for Saw 3D (or Saw 7), we need to look into the details. The fact that the story was almost to a T the same as from Saw 3. We need to see that no one cares about the rookie cop out for revenge. The only thing this audience member cares about is seeing how creative the Jigsaw character has become. This movie fell nothing short of substandard. The acting and story line created a creature of habit. Too bad this happened 3 movies ago. Bring together the stories. Stop making new ones. Involve the people who have been there from the start. Unfortunately, they did this, but I think a little too late.

I'm not going to spoil anything for anyone, but it seemed really stretched as far as they went to show what would happen next. Does every Saw movie end with someone saying "Game Over" and slamming a door? I have seen them all, yet they all seem to run together. I don't know what else to say about it. The movie was fine, I guess. I just really hope I can enjoy next Halloween without hearing "Game Over".

Stars (out of 10): 4 1/2