The best in the series - and that's saying something

Rating: 10/10 (16 July 2017)

There are some films that you never forget seeing for the first time, and 'Saw 2' is one of those for me. Having already been blown away by the brilliant original, to have a sequel that was not only equally as good, but likely better, was incredible. Everything that was so good about 'Saw', the intelligence of the story, the brutality and the themes and messages, were all not only apparent in the sequel, they were amplified. The 'twist' was astonishing and made perfect sense. It made everything that had happened up until that point nothing short of mesmerising. There is no question that this is one of my favourite films of all time.
At the time of watching the original 'Saw' it obviously seemed incredibly brutal in its nature. It wasn't until 'Saw 2' came out that we realised just how much leeway they still had to work with. Some of the traps in this film can make even the most hardened veterans of the genre squeamish (I know because I am one). The creativity involved never ceases to amaze me either. Some of the traps like the one where you reach through with your wrists only to be caught there are barely given even screen time, and yet other movies would kill to think up something so devilish and original.
The best part about the film though does have to be the story. It's so much fun. The premise works on so many levels. Also if you ever actually stop and think about the message 'Jigsaw' is trying to get across, to appreciate life and live every moment as if it was your last, it's a truly enlightened one. I think this message actually gets lost to a lot of viewers because there is simply so much else going on in these films. This is a film I will never forget for its ingenuity and genius. If you've never had the pleasure of the seeing it, please do yourself a huge favour and do so. A masterpiece.