Better than the sequel

Rating: 7/10 (29 November 2010)

Darren Lynn Bosman returns to direct his second Saw movie. Saw 3 continues Jigsaw killer's games. His accomplice Amanda returns to assist him in his gruesome games. This movie's uncut version is 2 hours in duration. But the cut version has around 12 minutes of graphic violence edited. Those who will search for more blood and gore will be satisfied. All elements are present in the movie that were lacking in the original and sequel. There is also an improvement to the plot in comparison to the sequel. As the sufferer of cancer, Jigsaw has become bed ridden. But this does not prevent him from subjecting people to his torturous traps. While watching him I was confused whether to have pity for his character, or hate. He enjoys testing people's vulnerability and and patience. Through these means he intends to exert discipline.
SPOILERS Jigsaws suffering has worsened and he is in need of immediate brain surgery. His accomplice Amanda kidnaps a surgeon played by Bahar Soomekh. To her neck is tied a electronic 360 rotating gun. It is connected to his heart rate machine. If he dies, she too dies. She is instructed to perform a brain operation to remove the tuma that is growing. Meanwhile a grieving father(Jeff) who has lost his young son in a hit and run accident has fallen prey to Jigsaw's games. Along his journey he meets a judge, witness and killer of his son. Each individual is in a trap and it is his responsibility to choose whether to save the person or let them die. Jigsaw's tuma is removed and he instructs Amanda to release the trap from the surgeons neck. She refuses and kills the her. At the same time the father enters and discovers his wife wounded. He kills Amanda and Jigsaw. But later doing this he realises that his daughter is in a unknown location that only Jigsaw knew. END OF SPOILERS
This is a more enjoyable movie if compared to the sequel. Bahar Soomekh makes it worth watching. She is very convincing playing the role of the surgeon. But the twist seemed very predictable. I had figured out that she was the husband of Jeff. It was just a matter of time until we were notified. But this does make the climax predictable, only the element of surprising twists were less. For those fans of Saw who are looking for more ingenious traps will be pleased. The first sequence is gut wrenching as a man's legs and arms are clinched by a steel ring. It is also the first time in the franchise where there is some female nudity depicted. This came as a surprise. The strobe lighting and fast editing are becoming very annoying. There are large amounts featured in the movie which make it difficult to concentrate on a few scenes. I understand that it is an integral part of the movie and it's style, but there should be a limit to it. Dina Meyer playing officer Kelly is wasted in one murder scene. Her character is made extinct. But she could have been an asset to the franchise. I would have been more than happy to see her role continued.