Film: Saw V (Review)

Lions Gate's fifth piece to the puzzle, the late Jigsaw's legacy lives on and his work is carried out by the chosen Detective Hoffman. Saw V releashes horror in silver screens everywhere this Halloween, which has been a norm for the past few years. It seems like the Saw franchise is garnering a stronger fan base as box office campaigns have been on the incline with every Saw sequel. For you Saw fans out there, it is already in its sixth run (Saw VI is already slated for a Halloween 2009 release) albeit helmed by yet another new director - Kevin Greutert.

David Hackl's new take on Saw V is definitely something that fans have been looking intently upon with scrutinizing expectations. After all, Saw II,III and IV were directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, so it's a refreshing change from the 'blood-gore heavy' versions. Saw V appears to be less confusing and more linear (given that you've caught the previous Saw movies prior), a drift away from the typical plot complexity trait of the Saw series. Traps designed are still innovative and bone-chilling to watch, especially the Pendulum trap. The main game played this time round reminds me of the first Saw, where teamwork is really the key to surviving Jigsaw's life-threatening ordeals. Without saying, there's also the trademark plot twist that should keep the audience at the edge of their seats.

Hoffman's involvement with Jigsaw is carefully discussed on screen by means of flashback sequences, and it stirs curiosity within the audience by not revealing what's in the black box that Jigsaw has left for his wife Jill Tuck. Other than that, the traps are the highlight of the film. The characters involved in the game are mainly just featured for the tortures and pain, so we don't feel as attached to them as we did in Saw I and II.

This marks one of the three horror flicks opening this coming week on 30th October, fans of the Saw series should follow up and blood-gore fans will enjoy Saw V. For the mainstream movie-goers, you might want to start by renting Saw I. It is still the best film in the series in my eyes.

Catch this strictly only if you're a fan or a blood-gore horror lover.

Kacang Puteh, anyone?

Managing Editor,

MuHu Son