Better than the first two.

Rating: 10/10 (13 November 2006)

Shawnee Smith and Tobin Bell return to their roles of Amanda and Jigsaw (John), respectively, for Saw III. Saw III, while perhaps not so much of a 'scary' movie, is certainly filled with lots of action and plenty of gore. There is also an added element: drama. The drama mostly revolves around the complicated triangle of Amanda, John, and Dr. Lynn Denlon (who Amanda kidnaps to care for John during his 'last stand').
Shawnee Smith is brilliant in the role of Amanda, a complicated character who is unstable both emotionally and mentally. Tobin Bell does an excellent job of reprising his role as Jigsaw. That fact that he spends 99.9% of the movie lying sick in a hospital bed means nothing; Bell pulls it off excellently.
Bahar Soomekh, who plays Dr. Lynn Denlon, is amazing. Her interactions with Amanda (Smith) are what make the film. Angus Macfadyen is equally good in his role of Jeff, the unfortunate victim in Jigsaw's final game.
Overall, the movie is excellent. At certain times the movie seems to drag, but only because the rest of the movie is so fast-paced. There are plenty of twists (with one very shocking and unfortunate one at the end) and back-story galore. Not to mention, the storyline is superb. Smith, Bell, Soomekh, and Macfadyen all do excellent jobs at bringing out the depth and emotion in their respective characters.
Saw III is definitely the best of them, by far. With a Saw IV already being discussed, one is left to wonder how the writers will find a way to top its predecessor.