Expected More...

Rating: 7/10 (26 October 2006)

Ah yes, Halloween. And for the past 3 years running, we have been as some would say "blessed" with the Saw franchise.
The first one was compelling, simple, and smart, making it what could be said to be one of the best horror films out there.
So in 2005, Saw 2 rolls along, and I'm expecting another Saw, perhaps even better. I admit, I did enjoy 2 rather than other cheesy horror films out there such as The Grudge, but I expected Saw one. Maybe it was the change in direction, actors, different story...
So in 2006, the third installment to the series comes along, and I'm already hearing rumors about how it was the best one in the series and terrific. It was good, but still not the original Saw that I cherish in my heart.
The traps, oh they were good. Maybe even the best ones out of the whole series. If you don't like blood, gore, and breaking of bones I suggest you skip this one.
The story...similar to the 2nd's level of intensity. It could be said that Jigsaw wanted to go out with a "Bang!", like they said in the 2nd one. So he decides, as his final test before his death, to test human's and their ability to forgive one another (which is what he did in parts of the first 2, but he really takes it to a new level here).
The whole series represented a test on human nature, mainly the ability, or inability in Saw's case, to forgive. The writer Leigh created a fantastic series and I look forward to more from him, but they just need the acting. Tobin Bell was amazing, yet all the other characters seemed too corny or whiny, in an annoying sense.
There was a nice twist at the end, better than the one that was in 2. It'll have you thinking about it for a while, like I have been for the past 10 minutes.
Final Opinion: Better than Saw? - No. Better than Saw 2? - Yes. Go see Saw 3 for your movie pick of this weekend, and prepare to be disappointed or amazed. Its your choice.