Similar ... and Different ... and Unbelievably as Good as the First

Rating: 10/10 (28 October 2005)

I went into this movie wondering how they will ever match the intensity, originality, and mystery of the first installment of this franchise (I am really hoping they continue in this path). While we cannot get the same 'surprise' as the first Saw, this one does deliver goods and an awesome twist or two (no spoiler here) a la Shyamalan.
I would say that the violence is either on par or up a notch from the previous Saw and there is not as much room for character development but again the intensity and psychological/guessing games remain in this film.
In short, if you even liked the first film a bit or like smart horror/suspense films with a 'good set of grapefruits' look no further. Saw fans should dig this film. If you prefer the 'Know What You Did Last Summer' flicks then steer clear of this film. You wouldn't want to get a headache.