An excellent contemporary noir/horror that deserves respect

Rating: Null/10 (11 April 2005)

First off, let me say that "Saw" is a flawed film. Secondly, let me also state that I am well aware of the fact that all films are flawed. And, third, I WON'T say HOW "Saw" is flawed, because it's still such a great film that not only would that mean spoilers, but also this movie's flaws are very easy to overlook if one enjoys it enough, as I did. "Saw" is a cerebral, edgy, disturbing ride, and that's no joke. What it's about? Well, as you probably know, it's about two guys locked in a room under very grim and confusing circumstances, with a corpse laying between them in a bloody mess. From the get-go, all that they really know is that it has been orchestrated by a very sick person who has found ways to get his victims to kill themselves in some VERY creative and yucky ways. "Saw" works as a murder mystery, a horror/splatter movie, and a downbeat thriller. Naturally, some people wanted to see "Seven" and were disappointed; too bad for them. Good mileage is got out of the cast; even the newcomers and various unknowns turn in wonderful performances. Also, if you can figure out who the killer is before it's revealed, you have got to be one intelligent viewer! I myself was kept guessing and guessing. All I can say further is that "Saw" bears my highest recommendation, and, again, if you want either "Seven" or just another slasher flick, this great movie can't be blamed for such disappointments. See it!