Saw X

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)

John Kramer is told he has just months left to live, he's given home of a new treatment, a life saving surgery being held in Mexico, when it doesn't quite go as expected, he takes his revenge.

We're at the point now where new horrors just aren't sticking, hardly anything looks worthy of a follow-up, so we're getting endless Scream and Halloween movies, all of which seem to diminish with time, Saw though has been different, could this later one offer something new?

This latest film really does offer something new, it's unlike any of its predecessors, very much John's story, it's all from his point of view, we're almost made to feel a degree of sympathy for him, it's very, very clever. There's a monster even greater than John Kramer.

I should be used to the macabre deaths by now, but once again they manage to shock and horrify, there are some nasty moments here, a girl a few rows in front of me was actually sick during the second death scene, it is a very nasty moment.

The pace is unlike any other Saw movie, deliberately so, I found the build up very interesting, the fallout was very exciting, not for the faint hearted.

Tobin Bell delivers yet another excellent performance, he really does shine once again, and credit to the makeup team, you see a physical decline in the character as the movie develops, it's very well done.

It made me add The Hollies to my playlist.

Is that the end? I doubt it, I doubt it very much.

8/10.

When considering horror franchises, how many come to mind that have worthwhile sequels that live up to their originals? Now take it a step further and consider how many horror franchises make it to a tenth installment, and then how often is that installment any good? These are the questions one might ask when thinking about Saw X, the tenth installment in an exhausted (and exhausting at times) franchise that arguably peaked at its inception but gave at least a few worthy sequels. Saw X delivers above and beyond all of its predecessors beyond its original work. Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith are front and center for this one, a questionable choice that pays off at the hands of creative writing and strong direction. It's difficult to stay fresh at number X but they manage it here, going back to basics and bringing a little humanity to that series antagonists. Bravo to those involved, because to do this takes work but they managed it here with aplomb. The traps are fewer but this is a Saw movie so they are there, and they are brutally effective when on screen. But like the original we're back to really focusing on the story and not just the brutality. I won't say this is the most surprised I've ever been by a movie but it ranks, because upon hearing that a new Saw was to be made my eyes rolled hard, but seeing the positive reviews I just had to check it out and it lives up in every way. Are you a diehard fan of the franchise? Then this is for you. Did you lose interest after the first. This may also be for you, because nothing has come close since 2004.

I can't think of another franchise where the 10th movie is my favorite, but as soon as they announced the premise of Saw X and dropped the trailer, I knew this was it. After 20 years, they finally cracked the code to a great Saw film-and honestly, it feels so obvious in retrospect.

The key? Center the story around the most compelling character in the franchise: Jigsaw himself. For the first time, we experience the film from his perspective, and that single shift changes everything. We're not just watching his traps unfold; we're following his journey. We see why the people in the game deserve to be there before the torture begins, making the entire experience more impactful.

The film delivers a cohesive story with all the signature Saw elements-dark humor, shocking twists, and even emotional depth. Without spoilers, we witness Jigsaw genuinely distraught when innocent lives are at risk, something the franchise has never really explored before.

This movie finally gets it right: a gripping narrative, emotional weight, moments of twisted humor, and, of course, the brutal traps we expect. Saw X isn't just a great sequel-it's the best standalone film in the series. After two decades, they finally nailed the formula.

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.