Saw

I've never been a big fan of the "SAW" films.  I remember watching the original back in 2004, and I remember liking it, but for whatever reason I never really felt compelled to watch any more of them.  However, I recently went back and re-watched "SAW", and I have to say I have a new found respect for the film.  My opinion has changed.

     I found "SAW" much more entertaining the second time.  Maybe I just wasn't in the mood when I saw it years ago.  Anyway, this time I was completely sucked in the first 5 minutes of the film, and honestly couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen.  As I'm sure everybody knows by now, the film starts with two men waking up chained to a bathroom pipe with a dead man lying on the floor between them.  It doesn't take them long to figure out they are prisoners in the lair of serial killer, nicknamed 'Jigsaw'.  It's a sick and gory thrill ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat every second of the way.  I marveled at how scary and creepy it was-I mean, that weird, clown doll slowly riding in on that tri-cycle is the stuff of nightmares. Super creepy.  And "Saw" is very reminiscent of "Se7en"- they both have that gritty and grimy look to them.  It really is a nasty little movie. 

      Looking back, I see it as a smart and engrossing little thriller that's far more than just your average slasher movie. It's not entirely original, but it doesn't matter. Maybe the acting isn't the greatest either, but it was a low-budget film by a first time director and I think the brilliance of the story and script more than make up for it. One minor complaint that I have of the original "Saw"is the editing.  They could have slowed down the pace of the film, and stretched out the tension maybe a bit more.  I prefer a slow burn most of the time- "The House Of The Devil" is a great example of how sometimes slow but  sure can be much more effective.  The almost frenetic editing of the film can be a bit annoying- but like I said, it's a minor complaint.  "Saw" is still extremely engrossing and entertaining.  

     Obviously "Saw" struck a nerve with audiences- released in October of 2004, the film eventually grossed over $100 million worldwide and becoming one of the most profitable horror films since the original "Scream" back in 1996.  Of course they green-lighted a sequel, and audiences happily went on to make the annual "Saw" entry a Halloween staple.  For some reason the franchise started to annoy me and I never truly gave them a chance.  Which is why I went back and re-watched the original.  The greatest horror movie ever?  Of course not.  Do I think it deserves 24 sequels?  No way.  But... I honestly did enjoy watching it the second time around.  Funny how opinions can change on movies sometimes.