Lino Ventura is one of my favorite French actors. He played some of the meanest and toughest thugs in French cinema. But, on top of that, he had tremendous style in his films. So, because I am such a fan I was thrilled to watch "Jig-Saw"...and sadly, it was a letdown. Now it isn't because it's a bad film--I just expected so much more from this fine actor.
I noticed that this DVD had an exceptionally bad print--very fuzzy and hard to see what's happening occasionally. So, considering it's only an okay film, this is even more reason not to bother with the DVD.
"Jig-Saw" begins with a man getting killed in shootout with police. The passport on dead man is for Ventura's son--but it's not the son. Where is kid? Ventura, who is estranged from the young man, is determined to find him and get to the bottom of this. The path leads to a middle-aged hottie (Angie Dickenson) and a bunch of crazed drug dealers. At times, it's interesting and even a tad exciting--but not enough. And, it was very odd seeing Ventura beaten up repeatedly instead of administering the beatings!
A few things to look for if you see the film. First, yes, video games in 1979 WERE that crappy. It's amazing how far they've come since the game room scene. Also, in the private club there is a woman singing who really, really is terrible. Why did they use her? Perhaps it was the director's sister (I learned that from "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka".
