One of the greatest horror/thrillers of all time

Rating: 10/10 (13 December 2005)

Most people who haven't seen this masterpiece of a movie, 'Saw', think of it as a horror film. How sorely mistaken they are. It does have scary moments, but the true allure of 'Saw' is the fact that it is a heart pounding psychological thriller that is near unpredictable. The thing that makes the film so good and horrifying is the fact that it is so close to reality. It'll make you wonder if the things that happen in the film actually do occur. Known for notoriously mediocre acting, the amazing lighting and sound, writing, and direction make up for this 100 percent. If you have to see one horror/thriller, make 'Saw' your choice.
The plot goes as follows: Adam (writer Leigh Whannell) wakes up in a room that he has no recollection of ever being in or how he got there, soon discovering that he is not alone, for a doctor (Cary Elwes) soon awakes to a similar fate. All the while, a paranoid detective (Danny Glover) attempts to track a mysterious serial killer who likes to play 'games' with his victims.
The thing that adds to the shock and awe of 'Saw' is the incredible lighting and sounds. The lights are so effective, and you really notice them. They add to the horror and surprise so much. The sound does as well, but this is not one of those 'when the sound gets crazy, something's about to happen' films. The music is just great. Like every good film in the horror category, 'Saw' has its fair share of blood and guts that will satisfy the horror fan in everyone, but it's the thriller aspect of it that makes it so damn good. The suspense is absolutely incredible, and when the ending rolls around, you will gasp in shock. The writer of the film is coincidentally Leigh Whannell, and as it's his story, no one can do it better. His writing is simply phenomenal, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. James Wan, Whannell's friend, is the director of the film, and he is just as good at his job as Leigh is at his. He manages to make the film extremely dark and edgy, yet keep the flow going so you're never bored. The acting is simply mediocre, but it doesn't really matter. The best performance is probably from Danny Glover, which is no surprise.
Full of twists, blood, suspense, and daring entertainment, 'Saw' is a real winner that any fan of thrillers will love and want to see over and over. It remains one of my favorite movies.
10/10 --spy