Different from the sequels, and in a good way

Rating: 8/10 (9 November 2009)

Definitely one of my favorite horror films, the first one. Sure, it spurred a lot of entertaining sequels, but none of those measured up to this. Not only was it so dark and original; more believable than the sequels. Instead of setting up elaborate traps for groups of 8 people (would've taken years to construct), Jigsaw watches Adam and Gordon the whole time, in their presence. He controls everything as he sees it happening. Scay factor #1) "He was in the room this whole time!" - incredible ending, by the way - Scary factor #2) the filth and decay of the killer's first traps. Also, this "SAW" focuses more on Jigsaw's morbid / twisted view of rehabilitation, whereas the other films focus more on typical revenge / punishment.