Review of Saw II (2005) by Amoviecritic — 27 Oct 2005

Let me start by saying that I HATED Saw. It was boring, it was (at times) annoying to follow, and the twist ending that everyone was talking about was really no big deal at all. So I wasn't expecting much when I went into Saw II, but this movie is great! It starts off kind of dull, and takes a few minutes to really get good, but as the movie approaches the end, it's really edge-of-your-seat action.

Really a cool, fun, suspense thriller with plenty of violence. And a twist ending, of course. It was a little confusing, but if someone explains it to you after seeing the movie, you'll likely get it.

I didn't find either Saw or Saw II scary, but one thing I have to give the first movie credit for was that it was a bit more scary than this sequel. The death scenes in the first movie were much more scary and unsettling (IMO) than Saw II's.

BUT, that's really the only advantage. I liked Saw II a lot better than the first one. It was more action packed and suspenseful, there were a lot less "flashbacks" (which I found annoying in the first Saw,) and the plot twist ending actually had something to do with the movie's story.

Don't expect anything really scary, though. Just expect a violent suspense thriller. If you loved Saw, you'll probably end up not liking this sequel as much, but if you just liked Saw, or even didn't like it, this sequel's much more exciting (although maybe not as scary) which makes it more entertaining.

I am taking a couple points away for the ending, though. It is really great, and was revealed in a very cool way. but it was confusing. If someone who DID get it explains it to you, it suddenly clicks, but it's never fun to leave a movie with a "huge twist ending" and to have not gotten it.

Still, Saw II is a great movie. Recommended. Recommended.