The seventh and final movie in the enduring torture-porn horror series Saw, in 3D.
As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw's (Tobin Bell) brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw survivors gather to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen (Sean Patrick Flanery), a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror.
When Saw first hit the big screen, it was a big deal. Its concept was original and shocking at a time when the horror genre had become stagnant. Years later, the novelty has worn off and familiarity has kicked in as the creators show no signs of deviating from a well-worn formula. Now it’s the Police Academy of its style.
You don’t go along to something like this for the acting or writing, so it’s churlish to dwell on the weaknesses there. What’s really disappointing is the use, or lack there of, of the 3D format. Torture porn seems custom built to exploit the extra dimension, but the format is curiously under-utilized and feels like it was included only because it’s the done thing at cinemas these days. At least the stages of the game are well designed and provide the requisite gore in interesting fashion. In the end, that’s why people have stayed loyal to the brand and keep coming back.
Still, it’s sad to see how far the franchise has fallen. This is advertised as the final chapter (though that isn’t set in stone) and the film’s grand finale is a tepid twist at best, which sadly mirrors the series as a whole. Even the most hardcore fans may be disappointed, as the earlier works deserved to go out with a much bigger bang.
By Andreas Heinemann, Flicks.co.nz
The sadistic series reaches its dead-horse of a conclusion, proceeding to beat it with a sack full of stupid (and the "3D" abbreviation of selling out). The terrible dialog, absurd plot holes and characters with the intelligence of a tic-tac have unfortunately become Saw staples. Despite that, there are still moments of cringe-worthy creativity that made me squirm (one involving a fishhook). However, it's not until Saw 3D's final moments where it attempts to come full circle that you truly realise how much the series has mutilated itself, with an extremely weak tie to the original being the final insult.
There are a scattering of infallibly cringe-making horrors, but on the whole Saw 3D could do with more depth
This seventh installment does at least provide a reasonably satisfying conclusion to the series in the unlikely event they choose to give it a rest.
Be aware: if you see the film in a theater equipped with RealD 3D and Dolby sound, you'll come away with a pretty good idea of what it would feel like to have flying body parts hit you in the face.
On the other hand, the 3D is barely-there, the clanging machine-rock soundtrack is merciless, and the traps are decidedly ho-hum. Even running its final lap, Saw still oozes mediocrity.
That Saw 3D is relentlessly repugnant will delight the franchise's fans and surprise almost no one. The best that can be said for the picture, gamely directed by longtime "Saw" cutter Kevin Greutert, is that it offers little in between the traps, which are more creatively vicious than they've ever been.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 3rd Mar 2011.
Release date: March 3rd 2011.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
