See Saw while its in theaters! (Spoilers)

Rating: 10/10 (6 November 2004)

Probably the most refreshing horror movie to grace mainstream America in many years. Owing some obvious influences to both Se7en and Tetsuo the Iron Man (an incredibly effective scene involving a lethal helmet reminded me of the visually disturbing blend of humanity and metal in the 88' film) Saw is in its own class.
The movie is not without flaws, most notably being the cheap looking makeup for Dr. Gordon later in the film when he is pale from a loss of blood and teetering on the edge of sanity. Continuing on the subject of Dr. Gordon, Cary Elwes made some interesting decisions as an actor in playing the character. The result has divided viewers. Most of them see Elwes performance as blatant overacting. The others, a minority group including myself, see the performance as spot on. Elwes overacted because that would be the human reaction to such an insane, horrific, and hopeless situation. I think most people have become conditioned to appreciate the subtle, minimalist acting style that has been deemed "good acting" in contemporary film and anything that strays too far from it is viewed as incorrect. If you don't think the accepted style of acting has changed, then you haven't seen enough old films. Plenty of today's established actors would have never have been successful in the 1930's, and vice versa.
Overall, the film works because it is scary. It made me feel in a way that I hadn't felt since I was a kid in a haunted house ride. It didn't matter that it was just a movie; it had lured me in, shackled me down, and sent me on its course. In that sense, it is a ride. You are strapped down, compelled by its magic, and so have no choice but to see it through to its conclusion. I appreciated, not necessarily enjoyed, this film and therefore rated it a 10.
Many will not. If you don't, I ask that you reflect on your motives for feeling as you do. After viewing the message boards, and the various people trying (and failing) to expose what they see as obvious plot holes, I am beginning to suspect that many have been scared stupid by the film. They wanted a pleasant, agreeable ending, the kind they have been brought up on. That is one thing this movie will not deliver. Instead, it will repulse you, terrorize you, play with your expectations and hopes, and perhaps even make you reflect on your own appreciation for human life.
If all of that isn't worth $8, and two hours of your life, I don't know what is.