Saw IV - Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman
Rated R for extreme horror violence, quite a lot of blood, and profanity.

***The Saw franchise is based on twisty, turny plots. Therefore, this review contains no spoilers. I hope you enjoy...***

Hello readers. I want to play a game. The rules aren't so simple: make a fourth sequential horror movie while keeping the story fresh and just as mind-screwingly awesome as the original. Just like all of Jigsaw's tests, this was no easy feat...but gal dang if Bousman and crew didn't pass it with bloody flying colors.

I'm going to start this review for those Saw haters out there; the ones disgusted by the franchise's popularity. This movie is not for everyone. This movie is not about the higher art of filmmaking. What this movie is, as I've come to realize, is just one big game. In the same way Tobin Bell as the dementedly genius 'Jigsaw' killer likes to play games with his victims, director Darren Bousman is playing a game with the audience. Each progressive Saw movie is about trying to up the tension. Up the violence. Up the sense of disbelief at what they were able to get past the MPAA board. It's about trying to trick an audience that's trying its best not to be tricked.

In these regards, Saw IV delivers on a scale not seen since the original.

As a director, Darren Bousman is certainly finding his groove. Whereas in Saw II he was basically copying the trademarks set by James Wan in 2004's Saw, his latest directorial attempt is a full throttle blend of sickly cinematography and an almost overwhelming intensity that has now become Bousman's style.

And when I say this movie is intense, do know that I mean it. By far the most unforgiving and graphic of the series, I don't recommend it to the squeamish or immature. If you had difficulties watching the brain surgery scene in Saw III, you'll be done after only the opening minutes of Saw IV. Case in point, the rowdy Friday night crowd I was forced to watch it with was shut up right quick...I'll just leave it at that.

Though I will say this: gore is one thing, suspense is another entirely. The first Saw is a classic because of the way it spaced out gore shots between periods of dialog that built up to them. If I were to give my biggest complaint with Saw II and III is that they forwent proper build up in suspense in exchange for more screen time for the traps. Saw IV is a step in the right direction, however. Although never as suspenseful as I would like--no scene compares to when Adam gets attacked in his apartment in Saw I--Saw IV does slow the story down, giving us time to grow interested in the cast of characters and anticipate what will happen next. At times, it plays out more like a sick episode of Law and Order than the trashy exploit cinema that some expect.

Also, I think it's worth noting that Saw IV will be a treat for those fans that have been following the series from the start. Each has made reference to the films before it, but this one more than the others really rewards you for your diligence. Almost as if the creators are thanking you for your support. Please, don't let this be your first Saw movie...go watch the others first. You'll get much more out of Saw IV if you do.

To close, I've got a message for anyone still on the fence about seeing Saw IV:

Saw has always been about twists. You'll find them here.

Saw is about imaginative set pieces and taking makeup effects to a new level. A new level is indeed reached.

Saw doesn't concern itself with minor plot holes like Jigsaw's seemingly supernatural clairvoyance. If that bugs you, it'll bug you in Saw IV, too.

But most of all, Saw is about an edge-of-your-seat onslaught of color and sound--one that will leave your head spinning as you and your friends try to make sense of what you just saw...This one will definitely keep the message boards busy.

Rating: 4.5 / 5