Another October is upon us, which suggests one other Saw has managed to slice its means into film theaters. Saw X affords a breath of contemporary air for a franchise that grew stale practically a decade in the past. Sure, it by no means absolutely justifies its existence. Still, at the least longtime franchise director Kevin Greutert finds distinctive methods to shock followers.
So — the place does the brand new flick rank amongst its brethren? Read on to search out the Saw films ranked from worst to greatest.
10) Saw 3D (2010)
A “3D” tag on any film’s title is often trigger for concern. In the case of the seventh Saw flick, that designation warns viewers of the trash they’re about to look at and highlights the sequel’s extreme method. Here, you get extra kills, extra characters (hi there once more, Dr. Lawrence Gordon), extra elaborate (and complicated) Jigsaw backstory, extra gore, and extra flashbacks rendered in horrendous 3D. The extra proved detrimental, forcing the franchise right into a seven-year hiatus earlier than 2017’s Jigsaw.
9) Saw V (2008)
More centered than IV and with a tad extra ethical complexity, Saw V continues to be a dull affair. It’s content material to cater to bloodthirsty audiences, with out providing something remotely intelligent. The murder-house components feels routine, however at the least presents characters price connecting with. Jigsaw’s quest for ethical vengeance (now executed by his minions) now not carries the intrigue it as soon as had, which leaves this fifth chapter feeling extra compulsory than crucial.
8) Saw IV (2007)
By Part IV, Saw had clearly run out of concepts and determined to go excessive within the gore and violence issue to make up for its narrative deficiencies. Donnie Wahlberg is again for some cause, as is Shawnee Smith. Darren Lynn Bousman has enjoyable with the time jumps that place the occasions of IV with these in III. There are nasty dying sequences galore, scenes of rape, torture, and buckets of blood – if that feels like a great time, have at it.
7) Saw VI (2009)
As the collection progressed, Saw’s manufacturing values dipped significantly. Part six, specifically, appears like an inexpensive TV film, with its tacky “horror” lighting and foolish set items. By this level, I didn’t care anymore. Even with among the nastiest traps — the pound of flesh and acid melting sequence — this one feels stale in comparison with the opposite chapters.
6) Jigsaw (2017)
Following its prolonged break, Saw returns and … affords nothing new to the franchise, save for a extra polished look and a hefty batch of darkish humor. Fans will get a kick out of the frilly kill sequences — the laser collar bit is wild. But the overarching narrative stays largely unchanged — Jigsaw kills individuals he finds morally dangerous — and the varied twists really feel extra hackneyed than intelligent. Jigsaw provides viewers what they need however doesn’t give them what they want — a novel entry that justifies the additional chapters.
5) Spiral (2021)
I dug Spiral as a trashy Seven knockoff. The Chris Rock/Samuel L. Jackson car doesn’t at all times work, however the morality story at its core revolving round corrupt cops provides the image weight. Unfortunately, the movie did not ignite the field workplace, forcing the franchise to retreat to its consolation zone in Saw X. It left Spiral as extra of a curious outlier than important viewing. But except for an apparent twist, there’s lots right here to take pleasure in — together with a depraved opening sequence that stands as the most effective within the franchise.
4) Saw II (2005)
We ought to have seen the indicators of a decaying franchise as early as Saw II. Director Darren Lynn Bousman traded within the artistic juice of James Wan for a collection of intricately plotted dying traps that really feel far too unimaginable for any of the morally ambiguous characters to beat. What’s the purpose? Well, Jigsaw likes to show classes the onerous means. To what finish? To save the world? To obtain a way of objective in his vacant life? Ah, who cares! Saw II delivers the nasty items. But these anticipating a intelligent ending on par with the unique’s surprising finale can be left wanting.
3) Saw III (2006)
Saw II and III are tied for Best of the First Batch of Sequels, which isn’t saying a lot. The third chapter will get a slight nudge due to its advanced (and ridiculous) plotting, the rib separator bit, and its willingness to traverse into some actually ugly territory. Director Darren Lynn Bousman focuses on well-produced gore — typically veering slightly too far on the nasty facet. Those looking for buckets of blood and guts, although, ought to get a kick out of the gristly chaos within the threequel.
2) Saw X (2023)
Saw X will get right down to brass tacks and embraces a mature new tone with out upending the components. The outcomes are acquainted however much less contrived than most entries on this listing. Ditching the forged of Spiral, the tenth chapter nixes the camp of earlier installments and opts for a less complicated tone nearer to James Wan’s unique. It’s a fundamental revenge thriller, however the emphasis on characters means the dying scenes hit tougher, and the stakes really feel larger.
Despite Kevin Greutert’s efforts and the collection’ signature creepy music, it’s not a remotely scary movie. Still, you are feeling a way of dread and care about what’s occurring, which is a big win for a franchise that has been operating on fumes for practically twenty years. Newer parts are additionally launched that promise intrigue sooner or later — a villain for the villain, because it have been. I’m curious to see the place the next movie heads, which I by no means thought I’d say about Saw.
1) Saw (2004)
Still the perfect, James Wan’s shocker stays gleefully schlocky and hits all the suitable notes en path to the most effective twist endings in slasher movie historical past. Rather than focus an excessive amount of on the gory kills, Wan focuses on surprisingly well-developed characterizations and a moody ambiance to propel his story ahead. We know what is going to occur the second we see that noticed mendacity on the ground between Lawrence and Adam — it’s only a matter of when. Thanks to Wan’s cautious course, you’re nonetheless left feeling shocked and squeamish when it does occur.
Admittedly, Saw hasn’t aged nicely; its inexperienced hues and frenetic modifying are dated, and Jigsaw is now not the enigmatic killer he as soon as was following an meeting line of corny sequels. Still, as aughts thrillers go, Saw stands above most.
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