SAW II
93 minutes running time
BODY COUNT: 7 dead - 5 seriously injured - 1 missing
Youre probably wondering what youre reading. I'll tell you what you might be reading. You might be reading the review for Saw II... And not for a long time has there been such a satisfying horror sequel.
This time around, a new murder victim surfaces with a puzzle piece cut out of his back. Jigsaw returns, focusing his work on Detective Eric Matthews, played excellently by a gritty and callous Donnie Wahlberg. Wahlberg has done a great job with this role - selling it with even a glance at his numb, scarred, corrupt looking face. Matthews is a troubled cop - drinking, chain smoking, fresh from a divorce, and in a bad relationship with his son. Sounds like he doesn't appreciate life very much. Enter Jigsaw - the mastermind and his life-or-death games. Soon its revealed that the fate of eight more victims hang in the balance. Each of them with something in common, all of it playing a part in the larger game at hand - the one between Jigsaw and the detective.
Jigsaw, who's name is revealed as John Kramer, is looked at much more in-depth this time around, and really gives you a good idea of what he is all about. How he came to be, who he is, and why. Personally this was my favorite amendment to what is now the Saw series. I think Tobin Bell summed it all up best in his recent comments about the role. "Jigsaw's mind is perhaps the most complicated and dangerous trap in the movie. Because Jigsaw, in his mind, doesn't kill people - he leaves all of the decisions up to them. He believes that people don't appreciate their lives, and they can only learn to appreciate their lives by being forced to fight for survival."
If you liked Saw and its psychological twists and plot surprises, you will revel in what Saw II has to offer. More of the same, ten-fold. The opening scene throws you right into the fire - formulating a man trapped by himself, with a mirror, a death mask, a timer, a scalpel, and of course, the elusive key - and gets your horror pulse immediately pumping strong. The pace in this movie is much faster than the original. Newcomer Darren Lynn Bousman has done an excellent job delivering an edgy film. Well paced, from the opening sequence, to the Saw-ish, jaw dropping finish. There were a rare few that could figure out the ending in Saw. Everyone will get a kick in the pants during the final three minutes of Saw II.
Its hard not to share with you all the great twists and surprises that come with viewing this film. As I bite my tongue, I urge you to avoid spoilers regarding the storyline, if you plan on seeing it this halloween season. Itd be like a vampire feeding off cold blood.
Might do the job, but not as sweet.
As Saw II closes, it won't leave you guessing like, say, American Psycho. The final quick-pulse minutes are a recap of all the things you wondered about - shown to you in a rapid manner that has you on the edge of your mind's seat - because all the clues were in the movie. You just dont quite see or understand them as they occur. Which, Im sure, will make a second viewing all the more interesting. Saw II will appeal to wide audiences, because its not just a top notch horror flick. Its a nail nibbling suspense film, and also a mystery. Fans of the psychological aspects of Saw will have a feast. Tons of twists, new doors, timers, puzzles... with countless lives in the balance.
To sum it up, Saw II is an excellent multi-faceted sequel, which will engross fans of the first film. A must see for halloween movie-goers. It also stands alone strong and will easily offer itself to people who somehow missed its predecessor. And as the victims pile up, try to remember. Jigsaw's a good guy. He's really just trying to help, isn't he?
