Saw IV (Blu-ray Disc, 2008, Widescreen - Unrated Director's Cut)

Just got back from a grueling bloodbath by name Saw IV. Of course, all of us know what to expect from the Saw series. Typically Saw series does not have a light moment. But at Regal Cinemas, Knoxville we had a comical couple of minutes when Rambo trailer showed right before the movie. Everyone in the theater had a chuckle or two when we heard "Do you know what he is capable of ?" in the Rambo teaser. Ok, back to the movie review ...

The fourth one in the series begins where the third one ended. Jigsaw and his accomplice are dead. Jigsaw's body is post-mortemed and the first few minutes go into intricate details. Many might find it unpalatable. The doctors find a tape in Jigsaw's stomach. Detective Hoffman gets to hear the contents of the tape. Couple of men find themselves chained through a mechanism. One of them has his eyes sewn shut and the other his mouth. The one with his eyes sewn has a key on his neck and the other guy succeeds in getting the key to unchain himself. Several scenes play concurrently and it floats through time line and flashbacks. A certain detective Rigg who is very obsessive about doing the right thing gets drawn into Jigsaw's game. He has to save the detective Donnie from the 2nd part who has an injured leg.

This detective Donnie is suspended on a block on ice which slowly melts and Rigg has 90 minutes to rescue him. Another scene is Jigsaw's ex wife being interrogated. The third scene is the flashbacks involving Jigsaw and the birth of all "games". What follows is a tricky and mind-blowing game of life, saving some, and letting go of some. The climax as usual will take you by surprise.

This movie has more blood, cries, and tortures than first three franchises of Saw put together. This movie is brilliant in its narration and twists. The movie shuffles between the present and past so frequently, that at times you might get confused. The director has limited lighting on the movie and at times it's very tough to figure out who is on the screen. But after watching the movie, you will know why. If you liked the previous franchises of Saw, I definitely recommend Saw IV (4). DO NOT watch Saw IV if you've not seen earlier ones. This movie brings a lot of characters and stories from Saw II, and Saw III.Recommend ONLY for non-weak hearted !!

A MUST BUY IF YOU HAVE THE OTHER 3!

OVERALL
8/10

Another very strong outing for this franchise. The Saw movies really are not what they are commonly referred to: gore fests, horror films, slasher movies, etc.. They are really very complex and complicated screen plays that play with the time line of the film to keep you on your toes and always trying to guess the next move. They are very strong on continuity as each film uses all of the Saw movies that came before it to add to the mix of what is going on to keep you confused just enough... and then the pieces will all fall into place for you. Not for the lover of the slow paced film this time around for sure. With so much going on and you are not sure until the end when it was going on and what really was happening that you will love the wrap up ending that still leaves the door open of course for Saw V! If you enjoyed any of the previous Saw movies you will need to see this one!

As each sequel arrives every year for the SAW franchise I always wonder when they are going to screw it up. They are still making respectable additions to this great series and part 4 is no exception. Very well made, great traps and effects, but most of all it fits into the SAW story perfectly with the usually shocker for an ending. Jigsaws work will go on for another two sequels at least.

Great sequel.

"My wife and I love these movies, they just get better and better. Don't think of this as a sequel, they're really just one big movie seperated into segments. Even without Tobin Bell (John Cramer a.k.a. Jigsaw) the game continues. For fans like us, we can't get enough. I do recommend watching them in order or you might get confused. Plus, always make sure you get the unrated director's cuts, you don't want to miss anything. I highly recommend this one, along with all the others!"

Saw IV (2008, Blu-ray Disc)
Another very strong Saw movies, if you like the parts before is this a most!!!
All Saw Part needs to see many times to understand everyone in the movies. Is much under the benith, to understand for you shall, enjoy this one on the best way!
Jan Bergstrand/Sweden