Saw X: El Juego Del Miedo

'Saw X' returns with fervor to the franchise's unsettling realms, aligning its haunting narrative to explore the exploitation inherent in the current anti-big pharma rhetoric. Despite its stance, the anti-big pharma movement is just as profit-driven as big pharma; but as depicted here, its unregulated nature can lead to highly destructive actions severely impacting individuals' lives.

At 81, Tobin Bell reprises his iconic role as John Kramer with remarkable vitality, maintaining the character's haunting grip on the audience with his enduring portrayal. It was also a nostalgic and incredibly rewarding experience to see the return of Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young.

The narrative is seamless and compelling, guiding the audience through its labyrinth of moral quandaries with an impactful flow.

The victims in this installment are framed as some of the most deserving in the series, heightening the film's moral ambiguity and intensifying the notions of retribution among viewers.

Despite the climactic twist being predictable, it retains its satisfying essence.

'Saw X' is a compelling blend of socially pertinent themes, stellar performances, and satisfying narrative, providing a lingering experience. All in all, it's my second favourite film in the saw franchise.

Great to see Saw franchise back in theaters and not another spinoff. It's been 13 years since I got to enjoy an actual Saw movie in theaters and I got to say I was not disappointed! Without spoiling anything, make sure to hang around after the credits roll. I remember getting hooked on this franchise in October of 2004 as a college kid, expecting something like the movie Seven going in, but leaving not fully knowing that would become my favorite movie of all time. 19 years later I'm still a Saw junkie! This entry, while still very much a Saw movie, was different, but in a good way. The pacing felt like Saw 3 as did the tone. It had good length and did not feel rushed like some of the unfortunate sequels that between Saw 5-3D. This blew Jigsaw and Spiral out of the water!! It's also a movie that would mostly make sense for a new viewer never having seen a Saw movie but also is still going to please most hardcore fans. There weren't as many rabbit holes as I had hoped for but still some surprises. The twist certainly wasn't the best and was not jaw dropping at all, partly because I saw part of it coming a ways off, but this movie didn't need a twist to be great. Saw X is truly a tribute and story for John Kramer, just as we heard it would be. Violence level is right at the top of what we've seen, but more realistic like the early entries and not over the top cheesy violence like in later sequels. That's about all I can say, so enjoy it!

Hard to believe the same director and writers that produced the trash of the previous few installments, could deliver such a strong and refreshing take on the Saw franchise.

For seemingly the first time - Saw X takes pause to develop story and characters, which does a beautiful job at building tension in anticipation for what you know is coming, and the pay off is more grizzly than I could have imagined...and boy was it grizzly.

In addition to the 'poster trap' being (in my opinion) the most visually iconic, and eerie looking trap in the whole series. The 'Twist' in Saw X, is that the movie is surprisingly good.

9/10 for a Saw movie. 7/10 as a regular movie.

Plot

A sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable.

Cast

Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith and Ragnarok's Synnøve Macody Lund shine.

Verdict

I'll be honest, I haven't enjoyed a Saw movie since Saw III. I thought Spiral breathed a small amount of life into the series but not enough to make it credible. Much like Final Destination they pounded out movie after movie each less inspired as the last! A dead franchise in my opinion. Hearing about another I couldn't have been less excited and after the watching the trailer and seeing it was a prequel had me confident this would be another bland uneventful final nail in the franchises coffin.

I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong, and here I was wrong.

I don't like prequels, I deemed this a dead franchise, but somehow someway against the odds they delivered a decent enough film and I'd argue the 3rd best overall behind the original and part 2.

I just love how unexpected it is, you defies logic and reason and provides an engaging tale and one that doesn't rely on shock value or gore like many of those that game before did.

Good job, now I'm open to more.

Rants

I like Shawnee Smith, my first experience with her was as the crazy girl in the original The Stand (1994) but her presence here seemed strange on account of how much older she looks here then last time we saw her. They used no effect to make her look younger and the timeline subsequently made no sense. I know such things shouldn't matter but movies are about immersion and that took something away from it here.

Breakdown

Surprisingly decent plot Solid performances by many of the cast Has breathed new life into a dead series The Shawnee Smith age issue is annoying.

I'm a huge fan of this series. I love the original 7 and I mildly enjoy Jigsaw and Spiral. I was excited for another chapter and was not disappointed. This is a great addition to the series.

Just like with the other sequels, this continues to add layers to the backstory and lore with interesting new material. And of course we have lots of cool and gruesome traps. But in many ways, this chapter is different from any of the previous.

For one thing, it takes it's time building story and character. The pace ends up slower because of this, but I think it's worth it. Everything feels more fleshed out (unintended pun). We don't see the hyper-editing style this franchise is known for. And the movie overall feels a bit higher in quality of filmmaking.

My only downside is a lack of surprises, for me at least. I think it might work better for people who aren't as familiar with this franchise as I am.

I had a fun bloody time with this movie and look forward to any future chapters in this series. More games. More blood. More, please. (1 viewing, opening Thursday EMAX 9/28/2023)