Saw - originality + (gore * 5) + some unneeded characters + better acting + better twist = Saw II

Rating: 8/10 (21 February 2006)

I guess nobody was surprised when Lions Gate announced they were making a sequel to Saw. The first part, despite being a Se7en rip-off, was the most original horror movie released in the last few years, and was a breath of fresh air to the genre. Fortunately, the second part is almost as good.
This time around, we have 8 people locked in a house. They must find a way out before inhaling too much of a lethal nerve gas and die. Detective Eric Mathews (Donnie Wahlberg), is the father of one of the hostages, and he only has 2 hours to save his son.
The best thing about Saw was its originality. We spent the whole movie watching 2 people trying to get out of the bathroom they were locked in. Saw II tried to follow the same footsteps by having 8 people locked in a house, but obviously, the originality of the prequel is now gone. In addition, I felt there were too many characters in the house. Therefore, we didn't get to know these characters well, and so we didn't care for them. Also, I thought some of the characters in the house didn't have choices, while Saw was all about the choices we make.
But these flaws aside, Saw II was better on every other level. Remember how Cary Elwes gave overacting a whole new meaning in the first part? Well, the acting is far better this time. I especially liked the performances of Wahlberg and Tobin Bell (Jigsaw). The sequel was also more shocking. Two scenes in particular will make you cringe; when one of the characters is thrown into a needles pit, and the death-mask scene. Also, the twist ending, although a part of it was somehow predictable, made much more sense this time, and is a great set-up for a third part. And finally, the film had the best opening scene of the year, and featured a great homage the Saw.
So, I'd definitely recommend Saw II, it's not as good as Saw, but it will keep on the edge of your seat for the whole time.