The original and without a doubt the best. Saw is a magnificent thriller that will get your pulse rate up, but quick!

Rating: 10/10 (29 May 2010)

Saw may be undervalued to some due to the endless sequels coming out now a days, but the fact remains this one is the best thriller since Se7ven. It wasn't just about gore and torture here, it had a lot of plot to it, a lot of detail and the suspense was liable to push your pulse rate, right past the danger zone. They didn't just throw characters in their, forcing you to hate them because of there unlikable ways, this gave you two characters who have done dirty deeds, but remained likable. It's so surreal that a disturbing concept of having having people trapped in an ugly room became such a huge hit among Horror fans and now there is one out every Halloween, but I really feel the abandoned bathroom one they used here is the best. The finale itself is one of the best I have ever seen in a thriller. I've seen this now officially three times, and each time the suspense is at times unbearable, and it's rare that I feel that way with the genre now a days.
Performances. Cary Elwes is sort of despicable in a way, but somehow he injects likability into his part. His intentions are not admirable, but he obviously cares about his family and I admired that. Leigh Whannell is a bit of a whining weasel as Adam, but he somehow remains likable and sympathetic with his character, which is quite an impressive feat. Tobin Bell's part is nowhere near as big as it would become in the sequels, but it's still felt. Danny Glover gives one of the best performance of his career here. Due to the success of his role as Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon films, a lot of people didn't think he was capable of a gritty cop role, boy did he prove them wrong. Shawnee Smith does fine with what she has to do, but her part isn't as well-known as it would become.
Bottom line. It's the original, it's the best, and it's one of my favorite Thrillers. If you ignore all the hype come Halloween, rent this around Halloween time, it's bound to give you the thrills.
10/10