Customer Reviews
The death of a franchise? 
2008-09-02
I wondered how the franchise was going to continue with the death of Jigsaw in Saw III. This movie was by far the worst of the franchise. The first 15 minutes were grusome and gave me the feeling this movie was going to be on par with the first three movies that I loved. I was wrong
the movie got confusing fast and just seemed to drag to a finish. This movie would surpass most current horror movies and compared to other films of this type I would give it a 5 star, however compared to the other 3 Saw movies this one by far inferior. Hopefully Saw 5 will get the series back on track.
I Had To Look Away ....... 
2008-08-28
I'm a big fan of the SAW movies, and consider the whole SAW "experience" to be one of Hollywood's best horror efforts.
SAW IV's main objectives are twofold: (1)to tie up all the loose ends of the past 3 movies and give some background into Jigsaw's madness and (2) to set the stage for SAW V, and the continuation of more terror from another evil genius who is about to take Jigsaw's place. Without a doubt, the surprise ending of SAW IV will segue perfectly into the beginning of SAW V.
Out of all four SAW movies, this one is the most gruesome, the most visually astounding one yet. I found I had to look away at the grizzly scenes, and I totally COULD NOT stomach the autopsy scene (pun not intended), not one bit. Ditto for the scene in the hotel room. Yukkk!
Yet, despite the torture, pain and blood, I rate SAW IV very highly for its unique narrative and editing; for the low-keyed, yet intense acting; and for raising the bar for the horror movie genre. To all concerned with this franchise, a job well done!
[3.5] I saw a lot of confusion 
2008-08-28
Forgive my silly title, but that's what I (and apparently others) experienced after leaving the theatre. Not to say Saw 4 did not suceed as an enjoyable movie (certainly at this point at #4 in a horror series). But the problem is there is so much messing around with the timeline and flashback scenes than ever before that it becomes difficult to keep up, at least for me. I guess that's why I came out more impressed upon initial viewing than the second time around, cause I thought "Confusing, but wow that's good, right? It makes one think?" I realize that doesn't always work well. But anyways, after the second viewing of Saw 4 I realized that although the movie is constructed in a similar manner as previous films with the flashbacks and its unpredictable ending, it became a little too much this time, and its like they completely made up a wacko ending. Of course you can't see it coming, but it could have been anyone (well, you'll see what I mean I don't want to give it away).
You might wonder how the film could star Tobin Bell since he is dead, but that is where flashbacks come into play, and possibly one of the better enjoyments of Saw 4 is seeing the very origins of Jigsaw, all the way back to his wife. We even get to see his very first victim and trap, and yes it's bloody enough. Speaking of traps, as one would expect, they are present throughout Saw 4 and still bloody, graphic, and horrifying. I didn't feel they were as disturbing as Saw 3, and overall some of the traps are unique and interesting as others are almost boring, but I won't give away any details. Rigg (Lyric Bent, returning from Saw 2 & 3) is the one we spend most of the time seeing tested in Saw 4, although the games seem to be growing in numbers for eveyone, such as detective Mathews (yes he has still survived, and still played by Donnie Wahlberg) and FBI agents, just to name a few, and there's all those lesser roles who get the pleasure of sitting in those actual torture devices.
Saw 4 only works because it's keeping a series going and telling quite a story while always creating more (yes Saw V is due out in theatres this year, and they are planning on Saw VI next year). As a horror film, Saw 4 lost some of it umph because of the story telling, and getting to know some of the charcaters a bit more (such as Tobin Bell and his ex-wife) but that still makes it a good watch for fans. The moral of "cherish your life" is still present, however the obsession (in Rigg's case) of trying to save everyone (only they can save themselves) is brought to attention. Well, I never though there was anything wrong with trying to help save people, but apparently Jigsaw believe's otherwise and shows us (and Riggs) why.
Acting - 3
Characters - 3.5
Gore/Horror - 4.5
Story - 4
Overall - 3.5
Color Me Surprised 2008-08-18
I have to say, that after slogging my way through "Saw 3", I had given up on this series. I felt that "Saw 3" lost the feel of the original two films, and just became a gore-for-gore's-sake splatter flick. Several folks on the Horror forum here suggested I give "Saw 4" a shot, so I picked it up at my local Blockbuster used movie bin for $2.99. Even with this thing sitting on my shelf for months, I would always turn to something else when the horror-bug bit, leaving "Saw 4" unopened and collecting dust. This past weekend for some reason I was in the mood to watch a good gore-fest. A flick that would leave blood splatter oozing from my DVD player, and decided it would be a good time to finally see Jigsaw's latest installment. I had low expectations, but as long as it was bloody, I would be happy.
To my surprise, "Saw 4", while it does have it's moments, may be the least bloody of the series. And to further my surprise, it's actually really good. The focus this time around, fleshes out Jigsaw's backstory, told in flashbacks while police interrogate his ex-wife. All the while a detective caught in Jigsaw's web, tries to unscramble the clues that will save two detective's lives (Mark Wahlberg in an extended cameo). Normally, these backstory entries in a horror series are painfully awful (Halloween 6, A Nightmare on Elm Street: Freddy's Dead etc.) Usually I prefer my killers motives either explained upfront, or left mysterious. But I really liked how Jigsaw actually became a sympathetic figure to a degree in this film. You can understand why he has chosen this life of judgement and cruelty.
Of course there are some wicked little twists and turns, and the fantasticly bizarre contraptions that could only work on film, but that is a given in this series. It's best if you leave your realism at the door when watching "Saw" anyway.
If you were like me and ready to give up on this series after the lousy 3rd entry, give this one a try. It may just spark you interest once more.
Saw 4 2008-08-17
I loved this movie. yeah it was a little confusing but at the end it all came together. I cant wait for Saw 5 this Oct. and looking forward to Saw 6 coming Oct 2009. Yep a 6th has already been set.
Avoid this movie. 
2008-08-09
When SWAT Commander Rigg is abducted and thrust into a game the last officer untouched by Jigsaw has but ninety minutes to overcome a series of demented traps and save an old friend or face the deadly consequences.System Requirements:Running Time: 95 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: HORROR/TORTURE Rating: UNRATED UPC: 031398221975 Manufacturer No: 22197
Jigsaw John is dead, but people are still trapped. 2008-08-04
Jigsaw John (Tobin bell) is dead and flat out naked on the autopsy table. When they cut open his stomach, they find a tape recording inside. Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) is called to the scene. When Hoffman plays the tape, it is the voice of Jigsaw John addressing Hoffman himself (got the goosebumps yet?). He explains to Hoffman that it is not over because he is dead. "The game has just begun". More people are in his traps.
Officer Rigg (Lyriq Bent) has been obsessed with this case. Everyone around him is dying. He wants to find his friend and co-worker Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg).
Detective Hoffman sends Rigg home. When Rigg enters his apartment he finds his wife, Tracy (Ingrid Hart) leaving him.
When Rigg wakes up, he finds his apartment has been entered into and booby-trapped. The Jigsaw Puppet appears on the television screen. It shows him that Eric Matthews is still alive, but in a trap. next to Eric is Detective Hoffman also in a trap.
Rigg has exactly 90 minutes to find them and save both of them. He is sent on a wild goose chase putting other people's lives in jeopardy trying to save their own.
Meanwhile, Agent Strahm (Scott Patterson) is working on the case. They interrogate John's ex-wife, Jill Tuck (Betsy Russell) for umpteenth time.
This time the agents mean business and they want answers out of her.
We then are treated to never-before-seen flashbacks that are important clues as to why John became so menacing and hateful to the point of a manic murderer.
Amanda is dead. So who is helping Jigsaw John now?
Cast: Tobin Bell, Dina Meyer and Shawnee Smith have been in all 4 SAW films.
From SAW (2004): Mike Butters appears as "Paul".
From SAW II (2005): Emmanuelle Vaugier returns as "Addison".
Noam Jenkins returns as "Michael".
Tony Nappo returns as "Gus".
From SAW II & SAW III (2006): Donnie Walberg returns as "Eric Matthews".
Lyriq Bent returns as "Rigg".
From SAW III: Costas Mandylor returns. He played "Forensic Hoffman". (That's a very important clue!). Now he is "Dectective Hoffman".
Angus Macfadyen returns as "Jeff".
Bahar Soomekh returns as "Lynn".
J. Larose is seen again as "Troy".
Betsy Russel returns as "Jill".
Niamh Wilson returns as "Corbett"
Kim Roberts returns as "Deborah"
Zoe Heath who was a "Female Forensic" in SAW 3 is now a "Lab Technician" in SAW 4.
Kelly Jones returns as "SWAT Member Pete"
Bill Vibert returns as a cop.
Producer Oren Koules who played a "Dead Cellmate" in SAW (2004) also makes an appearance in SAW 4 (2007).
Also in the cast is: Athena Karkanis, Mike Realba, Ingrid Hart, James Van Patten, Sarain Boylan, Simon Reynolds, Justin Louis, Billy Otis, Janet Morgan.
SAW V will be released October 24, 2008.
Update: SAW VI (2009) will be released October 30, 2009.
Thrilling, but this should be the finale 2008-06-11
Now that Jigsaw and Amanda Young are deceased, the cops are looking for another accomplice. Jigsaw has one last game for them, however, as he swallowed a tape just before death. It's up to the cops to uncover Jigsaw's last plot, and just like always, they must do it before more "innocent" lives are taken.
Detective Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg), the SWAT team leader from Saw II, is trapped in yet another intricate killing device, and Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) is there along with him. Just as the other movies, there has to be a star in Jigsaw's games, and this time it's SWAT Commander Rigg (Lyriq Bent) who will have his ethics, morals, and fortitude tested. Riggs is given ninety minutes to get through the demented traps in order to teach evil people various macabre lessons, and to save his colleague.
Possibly on the brink of approaching Friday the 13th and Police Academy levels, this sequel to Saw is one level away from a level that should never be repeated. There is a very interesting sequence of events that uncovers how Jigsaw became the engineering genius turned serial killer. Now that the truth is known, and the attempt at viewer understanding and maybe even sympathy is made, there is a moral resolution, a vindication, and this absolutely, unequivocally has to be the finale to the series.
Originality waning, Saw IV is a little lackluster compared to that of the first in the Saw series; and that's the problem, because it's the clever originality that made the initial Saw such a success.
Just like the other Saws, only... 
2008-05-21
Saw IV is just like the other Saw movies, only, IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. Even Saw III came together at the end, just barely; not Saw IV. Here it is: Costas Mandylor did it. For no particular reason than he was in one of the earlier Saw movies. That's it. Now I've saved you the time. Aren't you glad you read my review? There's NOTHING about Saw IV that is better, or even as good as, the other Saw movies, which I think were pretty spectacular in a horrifyingly creepy, awful way. Let the series die, please. I don't want to play a game anymore.
A Worthy Fourth Installment 2008-05-05
The SAW franchise is still going strong. This film "fleshes" out the entire Saw continuity. It was hard to imagine what the film would be like without it's two main leads, but fear not...the games go on. I feel that by the time this series reaches its conclusion, it will be obvious why this particular film was so important. Highly recommended for Saw fans and horror fans alike. A great, fun, gory experience.
