Saw

This saw has really sharp teeth, though a bit rusty in places. Among the good things we can count the thick oppressive atmosphere, several excellent suspenseful scenes and one awesome jump-scare. On the other hand, there is the unconvincing performance of Cary Elwes as Dr. Gordon, a bit of the traditional clichés (the pratfalls or the pointless hesitation before blowing someone away) and the final twist. In itself, it is very, very surprising and shocking, but it is too much "for effect" and in hindsight it digs big holes in the logic of the plot. Still, I won't go below four stars, a film that can happily be described as a heavy punch for the average audience (a friend told me how he experienced a stampede to leave the cinema during a screening in Ireland) doesn't deserve it. (01/08/2005)

I didn't need the epileptic camera none-sense and the metallic soundtrack, but I admit that Saw is a good horror film, certainly above average by current standards. But I only realized this because of the great, great, great ending - until then I thought I was watching a rip-off of Seven, in which the characters occasionally do horribly stupid things (blinding illumination, by lightning, for example). (01/11/2013)

This is a very powerful, intense, and somewhat petrifying movie that everyone should watch to get an idea of how to play games in adulthood, if no one wants to play with you anymore, and if you are tired of playing board games like Ludo. Of course, you clearly cannot say that about the other sequels, as they lack the form and concepts of the first movie. (02/17/2009)

The overwhelming majority of films from this area do not fall into the B-movie category, but rather the C-movie category and have a sadly semi-amateurish character. Saw significantly stands out from this production with its professionalism and is currently the actual peak of the genre. A relatively sophisticated screenplay, professional directing, editing, cinematography, and acting performances that do not provoke disdainful smiles. Along with the horror atmosphere, strongly naturalistic shots, and impressive ending, they create a perfect cocktail for Saw to become a box office hit. On the other hand, the screenplay is not so well-developed as to avoid inconsistencies and some clichés. The editing at times resembles music video production and flashbacks only delay the story. Overall impression: 60%. The sequels of this film have already lost the originality of their predecessor and are just squeezing money out of the pockets of the audience. (12/01/2007)

There are quite a few things that didn’t come together, the acting isn't the best, but given the filmmakers' enthusiasm, the budget, the ideas (viewing a room through a camera flash), and most importantly, the brilliant and formally bombastic ending, it deserves a buck. Too bad the sequels just ruin the name of this awesome thriller. (03/28/2005)