As far as the horror/ thriller genre goes, this is above average but don't expect anything special.

Rating: 5/10 (4 March 2007)

The Horror/thriller genre is a very difficult genre for film makers to succeed at. Creating a sense of reality and atmosphere are key ingredients to actually scaring your audience and it is far too easy to go down the slasher blood and guts route which in most cases results in an automatically desensitised viewer. However, some recent titles have done well at creating the appropriate level of intrigue and suspense (e.g. the Ring) or shocking level of atmosphere and gore (e.g. Texas Chainsaw Massacre) to truly frighten cinema viewers. Saw was one of the few serial killer horror movies that worked and actually brought something new to the table in terms of plot evolution and twists. Saw 2 follows in its predecessor's footsteps with a variation on the reality TV big brother premise with the backdrop story of one individual (the talented Mr Wahlberg) that exhibits significant similarities to the first movie. Sadly however Saw 2 whilst entertaining and exciting is weaker than the original in many ways. It lacks the suspense of its predecessor, has a weaker plot and script, more mediocre acting (especially from those stuck in the house) and is less realistic since there appear to be a number of plot holes and moments where you ask yourself, come on you jokers would that really happen? The crazed muscle bound hot head is totally irrational. Faced with the task of getting the numbers from the back of his fellow inmates heads he chooses to go on a killing spree (haven't you learnt anything from Prison Break?). Okay, um would it not be easier to just ask them for the numbers? And then shock horror when he is finally faced with the conundrum of getting the number from the back of his own head he slices off the his skin! Come on mate, ask someone for gods sake! There is also the premise that Jigsaw has left clues in the house with a puzzle that his victims must solve in order to survive. In reality however people just move from room to room and die in graphic bloody variations which becomes less and less shocking to the point where you think, haha there's blood all over your arms, you deserve it. This is coupled with the fact that we see limited character or back story development for anyone other than Wahlberg supports our apathetic attitude to their graphic slaughter. This sequel also continues to dwell on Jigsaw's motivation for murder, he wishes to make his victims value their existence by some form of torture, otherwise they do not deserve to live (why don't you just show them an episode of Oprah). In the first movie you could see the method in his madness. With a drug addict, fair enough, you come close to death you value life etc. However now his message turns to ramblings and you doubt whether there is any basis for his methodology (I held hope that he was a nice guy all along). This is solidified by his selection of Wahlberg who isn't happy with his life. He seems fine to me, a burnt out cop with issues with his son. Oh right, that's tough, why don't you try working in the city jigsaw, see what your perspective is then, you might be reaching for the safety blades yourself then my friend! There is also said to be secret linkage between all the victims. Ooooh what is the enigma? This is quickly found out and bears little relevance to their attempt at survival so big deal Mr Director. Overall Saw 2 is entertaining and will keep you interested throughout but its predecessor set high expectations which this film does not live up to. Having said that it is not just another mediocre horror flick so and will keep fans of the genre happy (just don't expect anything special). Like the original there are also some twists in the movie but they are certainly less surprising and interesting than those in Saw which was the predecessors primary strength and the basis for its originality.