Who would have thought? A GOOD second sequel!

Rating: 8/10 (5 November 2006)

Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) is back but, at this point, he is slowly dying. He's in a secret hiding place aided by his assistant Amanda (Shawnee Smith). Amanda kidnaps a brilliant doctor (Bahar Soomekh) to keep him alive so he can play one more game with a man (Angus Macfayden) who is seeking vengeance for his dead son. But there's more here than meets the eye.
Like the first two this is grim, brutal and VERY bloody including a graphic brain surgery sequence that almost made me bolt from the theatre. Again it questions Jigsaw's right to kill people who don't respect their lives...or others. But it also ties up some loose ends left in "Saw 1" and "2". It especially gives more information on Amanda and who she is and why she helps Jigsaw. It also provides a solid ending for part 2. I don't think there's ever been a case when two sequels to a movie are just as good as the original! The "Godfather" movies didn't do it and neither did "Scream". This may be the first time ever.
The acting is just great. Bell (as always) is good and Smith is just incredible--she comes barreling off the screen and takes no prisoners. Her character goes through some incredible changes and Smith pulls them off. Macfayden is also good but given little to do (I was amused when his accent slipped a few times) and the same with Soomekh.
Like the first two this left me shaken--it really grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. If you haven't seen the first two don't bother with this--you won't be able to follow it. Also avoid if graphic blood and gore bother you. Naturally most of the critics have been trashing this--dismissing it as sadistic and pointless. There are a few out there though who can see it's not just another sick horror film--it has a plot and a point. The graphic violence is necessary for the integrity of the picture. Very disturbing but fascinating too. An 8 all the way--I can't give it a 10 because I can't say I enjoyed the film.