Review of Saw V (2008) by Bruce S — 28 Oct 2010

If you were frustrated with Saw III and disappointed with Saw IV (like I've heard many say), Saw V would be the final straw. Before I saw Saw 3D, I considered this the worst of the Saw films; however, it does have some redeeming points. First, the escape from the glass box was brilliant (however, if Hoffman took everything else off Strahm, why would he leave/overlook a pen?). Second, Hoffman is pretty bad ass, and, while flawed, fills the roll of Jigsaw pretty well. Third, the test was decent, with a good twist of everyone needing to have worked together. Last, a damn good ending.

Flaws: Horrible directing. There is a reason he was the only director involved in just one film. It just didn't flow well. Strahm's investigation was ridiculous. He seemingly came up with his conclusions out of thin air, and it felt really forced. How did he know that Hoffman set up the pendulum trap? Just because it was his sister's killer? Doesn't make sense. Also, hardly any Jigsaw. You can't have a Saw movie and barely show John Cramer (see Saw 3D).