Review of Saw III (2006) by Zach B — 29 Jul 2011

One problem I have always had with the SAW series is that this franchise should of just been a trilogy. Nothing more. This film, for numerous reasons, felt like the ending that the series should of had.

Nothing more. Now, is this film as good as part II? No. Not at all. But, in some respects it is better then part I. Mostly due to the final details that were needed for understanding Jigsaw. With Darren Lynn Bousman returning as director, he does treat this film a little bit more recklessly then he did the previous film, but still is able to get the main story across.

Now, my reaction to this film was that this is the true ending. Nothing more. The traps, while grisly and a little bit disturbing (not like hacking off feet, poking out your eyes, and being burnt alive is not disturbing), do get a little ridiculous as they go about and at times can be painful.

But, still watchable if you can handle the previous two films. Now, for the directing. As I have said, Bousman does become a little bit sloppy with this film and did do some rather idiotic choice that just did not work with this film.

Personally, somethings like a certain mysterious box that is never explained should have been removed. For me, it seemed like he was trying to copy Tarantino a little bit too much and that is just not cool.

Well, I can say this at least (and a little heads up on the next film): he did do a better job with the budget then he did the next film. Acting, while Tobin Bell still proves that he is the best actor in the film series, I am going to have to give props to Shawnee Smith who plays Amanda Young.

Now, this character is my second favorite out of the entire series due to one thing: this character understands her crimes before Jigsaw meet her and understands that she must pay for her sins by protecting and helping Jigsaw.

But, why I am recognizing Ms. Smith is due to the fact that she makes Amanda as being this rather psychotic follower that is more terrifying then the traps and the film it self. For the script, as I have said before, seemed like that this was meant to be the end of it all.

But, sadly, they had to continue on with more films. The script has some great closer to the characters of Amanda and Jigsaw, but fail on this film having a personal plot that is not a complete rehash on the previous films.

This one had some potential, but does not live up to it. The score, nothing new here. Still the same old thing as the previous films. Overall, if you ever want to watch the SAW series, just watch I - III.

That is the main trilogy and as a trilogy it works wells. Now, this being it's own film, it is not all that wonderful.