Saw 3D

The Saw series comes to a (supposed) close with this typically low-rent entry, in which an internal affairs detective (Chad Donella’s Gibson) attempts to stop Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) from carrying out John Kramer’s (Tobin Bell) sadistic endgame. Though it picks up immediately following the events of its predecessor, Saw 3D comes off as a lesser sequel that ultimately does benefit substantially from the inclusion of several impressively gruesome traps and the welcome return of Cary Elwes’ Dr. Gordon. The franchise’s penchant for introducing bland new characters is just as problematic as ever, however, as, in addition to Gibson’s ongoing efforts, the film spends a good chunk of time revolving around the exploits of one of Jigsaw’s surviving victims (Sean Patrick Flanery’s Bobby Dagen) – with the emphasis on Gibson and Dagen’s exploits compounded by the lack of screen time for Bell. (The actor, whose work in these movies has always been a highlight, is relegated to one short flashback scene and a small role in the movie’s conclusion.) The for-fans-only atmosphere is perpetuated by a midsection that feels as though it could have been pulled out of any of the previous films, although, to be fair, filmmaker Kevin Greutert, working from a script by Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton, does a nice job of infusing several of the traps with a surprisingly suspenseful vibe (ie Bobby attempts to save a friend from being hanged). It’s not until Saw 3D reaches its (predictably) twist-heavy finale that the film becomes more than just another run-of-the-mill horror sequel, as the revelations contained within are sure to leave the franchise’s followers thoroughly satisfied (and, of course, clamoring for more) – which effectively cements the movie’s place as a worthy continuation of a storyline that certainly seems to have a fair amount of juice left in it (ie without delving into spoiler territory, the viewer can’t help but hope for a further glimpse into a surviving character’s future exploits).

*** out of ****