Saw II (2005)

Rating: 6/10 (14 December 2011)

A surprisingly effective sequel. Keeps much of the atmosphere from the first and just increases the gore and horror aspects. This time a number of people are in a house, one of those being the son of police officer Donnie Wahlberg. Watching Wahlberg and Bell's back and forth is a lot of fun, and adds a stark contrast to the gore. Unfortunately a rather 4th rate cast must carry the film and don't seem up to the task at times. It tries to create a claustrophobic atmosphere, like that of Cube and the first Saw, but characters change dramatically in the blink of an eye. It's too focused on furthering the plot towards its bloody conclusion, rather than having believable relationships. But for those that love gore, with a little bit of character, this certainly delivers.