Movie Review: Saw V

This year they have stepped away from the "Oh yes, there will be blood" in favor of their other tag line: "If it's Halloween, it must be Saw." After seeing the film you will understand why. Yes, there certainly is blood, but it could be the least bloody of the series. Don't get all upset, what blood is there is quite nice. I mean, you can't rightly have a film like this and not have blood, right? What do you think is the biggest draw of the series? It has to be the blood. It certainly cannot be the epic-reaching plot that tries to be all encompassing what with everything and everyone that has appeared in the series. It cannot be the countless characters that are little more than plot devices. Certainly it cannot be the lack of any other viable theatrical horror franchise. All right, maybe that last one is accurate. At any rate, the fifth Saw film is here, and while it is not a perfect example of the horror-thriller, it is certainly a step up from the last outing.

The Saw franchise is not one that everyone is going to enjoy, but it is one that should be admired. While one would have to dig to discover its relationship to the real world, its ambition is obvious, inviting, and alienating at the same time, much in the same way Lost is. There is so much great character stuff going in that show and this series that you want to watch, but if you pay attention to the plotting, you are more than likely going to end up with a headache.

As this fifth entry begins, we pick up right after the end of the fourth film. Agent Strahm (Scott Patterson) is locked in the room with Jigsaw's (Tobin Bell) corpse, a couple other bodies (including Jigsaw's ward, Amanda), and Jeff, whom Strahm had just shot. Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) had locked the door behind Strahm, allowing Strahm's game to begin.  That should have resulted in Strahm's death and Hoffman becoming the hero for "rescuing" Doug's daughter. Of course, if things went as planned we would not have a film. The plan's failure results in a second survivor of Jigsaw's traps (joining the previously revealed Amanda).

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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