machernucha/Ticket 13071

SAW V

it was a tough choice to choose between that and Burn after reading, but as ive seen the other 4 i thought id give this a whirl. The annoying thing about the set of films is that they are released a year apart, so as usual ive forgotten exact details of the last one. But its clear to say that after seeing SAW V, the third installment is definately my favourite.
This fifth one has more of a feel of a detective story than a gore fest and in that vain it starts off promisingly, although i found it hard to take it seriously (Luke from the Gilmore girls as Det Strahm). The dark tones and some half decent writing is carried on from the previous films, so you feel relatively at home with this film. Another annoying aspect is that we allready know who the killer is, so the films only choice is to go backwards. It was interesting how it flashed back and linked in elements from the other films, but adding in another elaborate trap with a group of people is gettin tired. Now that everyone know the rules of the game, theres nothing new being added. A total lack of "OMG" factor, as in a big twist where you work everything out, is evident and when it does finally get invited to the party, its lost and tired, not fresh and intersting like the endings to the first 3.

There was less emphasis on Jigsaw's moral message to his victims and more about the two detectives and linking up the 5 films through a common denominator which seems a bit of an afterthought. Although there are fewer crazy traps and less gore is shown, granted a couple of pretty sick moments, its made up by an intriguing first half the film, which in turn loses pace in the second act and the final scene limped home. The final nail in the coffin is that there seems to be no grounding for another installment, until you realise the box Jigsaw gives to his ex wife (via his lawyer as part of his will). What the hell is in it i dont know, but this franchise will no doubt continue, even if it has to delve to rediculous levels and not be predictable like saw4 was.

Overall id give it a 7/10. Try SAW 3 and 4 as nothing remarkably new is served up in this one.
Better still go see Burn after reading, i will be at some point anyway.