Saw

Lions Gate Films | Release Date: October 29, 2004
8.3
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Universal acclaim based on 940 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
800
Mixed:
82
Negative:
58
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7
MovieManiac83Apr 25, 2015
Saw is for hard-gore horror aficionados only. To appreciate Saw in its full gory, you have to have a penchant for productions that bask in the traditions of the Grand Guignol. While most of the film relies more on psychological tension andSaw is for hard-gore horror aficionados only. To appreciate Saw in its full gory, you have to have a penchant for productions that bask in the traditions of the Grand Guignol. While most of the film relies more on psychological tension and terror, there's plenty of gut-churning, visceral violence, especially during the final 15 minutes. That's the time period when James Wan's otherwise compelling feature goes a little too far over the top, veering out of its David Fincher-inspired darkness into the realm of self-parody. There's lots of blood, plenty of hysteria, and perhaps one twist too many. On the strength of a grippingly original concept and 90 strong minutes of building action, Saw gets a recommendation, but only if you like this kind of thing.

Although Wan's primary aim is to build suspense through uncertainty, he doesn't skimp when it comes to showing gruesome images. Although Wan would probably relish the comparison, this isn't a Psycho or Halloween - films that rely upon the imagination of the viewer to conjure up unthinkable images. The original cut of Saw received an NC-17 rating from the MPAA for its unrelenting gore. Some of the most graphic moments were eliminated, but what remains is still about as hard an R as can be found. Sensitive viewers may find themselves momentarily turning away from the screen during one especially harrowing sequence.

The horror genre has become a minefield of clichés and recycled plots, making it difficult to generate enthusiasm about any new release. New hooks are a premium commodity, so when someone like Wan finds one, it's easy to overlook freshman mistakes. With its freshness and energy, Saw bucks the horror trend towards formula story-telling and proves that enough qualities in the "plus column" can overcome a weak ending. Those who see this movie during its North American opening weekend of October 29-31 will be in for an unsettling Halloween.
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7
antonzhalobMay 3, 2022
Прикольный хоррор, но как по мне - на один раз!
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7
Dragonfly44Nov 28, 2017
The only strong Saw movie out there to date. It was suspenseful and thrilling with a twist that you didn’t see coming. Plot holes? Yes. Something you want to watch more than a couple times? Eh. But this movie is thrilling. And in that sense,The only strong Saw movie out there to date. It was suspenseful and thrilling with a twist that you didn’t see coming. Plot holes? Yes. Something you want to watch more than a couple times? Eh. But this movie is thrilling. And in that sense, it was good.

Rating- 70%
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7
ErikTheCriticSep 25, 2018
"Saw" has some of the most original ideas put in a horror movie that I've seen. Yes, the plot is absurd, but it's got intensity and it is thrilling.
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7
MahmusSep 25, 2020
It's easy to forget how good the first one is.

The franchise has become synomynous with gore, but the first one has little to no on-screen blood or guts, at leats not in the same level as the sequels. Despite some cheesy acting and silly
It's easy to forget how good the first one is.

The franchise has become synomynous with gore, but the first one has little to no on-screen blood or guts, at leats not in the same level as the sequels.

Despite some cheesy acting and silly plot twists, it's still a really good psychological horror thriller
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7
cdougallAug 13, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. For James Wan’s feature film debut, Saw is more clever and thought-out than you might expect and shows that James Wan has a lot of tricks up his sleeve. This movie lacks clarity, explanation and context when it starts, but as you continue to watch it, everything becomes more and more clear and creative. Considering the premise of the movie, that component of ambiguity and confusion works really well and actually makes the movie a bit realistic. In other words, this is a film that forces you to watch it so you understand what’s happening. This movie is kind of a mix of genres: abduction, horror and escape room all in one, making it intriguing piece of work especially for a feature film debut. Saw makes nice use of flashbacks to give us the clarity and explanation that viewers will be looking for from the moment the movie starts, and manages to give us slightly more than we bargained for by giving us a backstory that has some interesting twists and turns and a very unique antagonist. The film also has nice transitions between past and present and in the end makes it all culminate in a great way that causes the ending to have a twist that caught me off guard and makes the film end on a cliffhanger. The cinematography is also well above average for a feature debut and gives the movie a nice and impressive touch to it. All that said, the acting isn’t too great and hurts the quality of some scenes and makes some moments feel a bit awkward and sloppy. The chemistry between the two main characters doesn’t work out too well and they feel out of place with each other even once we get context for both of them. There are times where the acting just doesn’t feel genuine or the actors feel like they’re overacting or underacting. Also, even with all the explanation and backstory we get, there are still things that could’ve been explored and developed a lot better, especially the antagonist who we don’t know that much about, and there’s a lot of ambiguity as the credits roll. I left this film still curious and confused about a lot of stuff that I would’ve loved to understand. Overall, though, while I can understand why so many people love this movie and think it’s one of James Wan’s best products, Saw isn’t a perfect film and has its flaws. Expand
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7
DunkaccinoJul 29, 2023
Twisted and tense, and a little above other similar works. The writing by Leigh Whannell seems carefully planned and never strictly follows any formulas. Just like Jigsaw’s traps.
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6
JamesKJul 15, 2009
The only movie in the series worth a touch, but even then there are better horror movies out there.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
TheQuietGamerMay 16, 2011
While the plot is a unique idea, it's hampered by bad acting, and poor execution, it could have been great but the way they set it up just makes this movie mediocre, the ending however was fantastic, another complaint is that it's not scary,While the plot is a unique idea, it's hampered by bad acting, and poor execution, it could have been great but the way they set it up just makes this movie mediocre, the ending however was fantastic, another complaint is that it's not scary, it just has a tense atmosphere at times, all in all if your looking for an ok gory movie for a rental this is a ok choice just come expecting mediocrity. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
grandpajoe6191Sep 18, 2011
"Saw" is a gruesome film that lacks the depth and development within the movie. However, the frantic, thrilling ride with a refreshing twist in the end scores the points for "Saw".
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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6
OfficialNov 2, 2013
"Saw", a low-budget horror movie, had well exceeded beyond my expectations. It's a different kind of horror film, one that you will have never imagine that it will be this way. However, to be honest, the plot is quite ridiculous.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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6
cameronmorewoodNov 15, 2012
Saw is being mistaken for a gross-out horror. It's not. It's a crime-thriller with some unusual qualities.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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6
JacobparkerMay 30, 2013
Saw has some really clever ideas and it's a great torture film!
It's definitely not the best but if you are into those movies this is a MUST WATCH!!!!!
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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6
marcmyworksAug 31, 2016
The original is in fact original, however does suffer from the cheese factor of most horror films. I was glad to see Danny Glover doing what he does best (playing a cop) and Shawnee Smithson returning to the horror genre.
0 of 6 users found this helpful06
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6
killing4bloodMay 26, 2015
The Saw Series are good movies. But this one I think is the worse nothing really happened unlike the others they actually moved around. That is why it is a 6/10.
0 of 6 users found this helpful06
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6
MrTacoBobSep 2, 2017
Not much. It's just oh creepy traps and gore...eh. It's a bit scary but the story they tie in is just stupid. It's just a stupid movie but scary basically a bit better version Annabelle.
0 of 11 users found this helpful011
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6
Movie3Jul 15, 2018
This movie isn't NEAR as gory as one would think it would be before seeing it. This is more like the movie "Se7en". It's the sequels that got nasty. This intense and extremely suspenseful film sure gets you sweating. It's still unpleasantThis movie isn't NEAR as gory as one would think it would be before seeing it. This is more like the movie "Se7en". It's the sequels that got nasty. This intense and extremely suspenseful film sure gets you sweating. It's still unpleasant enough to not be watched by many. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
JLauSep 25, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Guy sets up a game where he's trapped two guys in a bathroom then spends the film laying on the floor whilst they try to escape. Expand
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6
expertocredeDec 12, 2020
Plot twist end of the movie and Story is pretty cool but out of these things I can not find any cinematic feature.

As for me , confrantation part of the movie is not clear and progressive. Sound effects and visual effects are both not
Plot twist end of the movie and Story is pretty cool but out of these things I can not find any cinematic feature.

As for me , confrantation part of the movie is not clear and progressive.

Sound effects and visual effects are both not sufficient. Makeup and blood effects are neither realistic nor satisfactory . The saw was not cutting the skin you evidently see this. Even when the man was shot, we could not see any entrance injury . Generally I sense a lack of quality. Also there are serious editing problems.

When examined the actings I do not like the acting of the doctor, maybe photographer is slightly more good.

Eventually that is not a horror movie, I think it is adventure and mystery movie

But As I said the story and plot twist can rescue this movie. If only other factors were good.
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6
MichaelVoorheesJun 23, 2022
Хороший детективчик на один вечер. Сюжет и его сьёмка заслуживает 7 и выше, но из-за абсурдных моментов, связанных с боёвкой и реализмом фильмец на твердую 6-ку.Хороший детективчик на один вечер. Сюжет и его сьёмка заслуживает 7 и выше, но из-за абсурдных моментов, связанных с боёвкой и реализмом фильмец на твердую 6-ку.
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5
IlirC.Jul 31, 2006
great plot and twist but terrible acting and dialogue has held this movie back... still deserves credit due to the fact that its a indie.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
EddieDSep 21, 2008
No Saw movie can be a Saw movie unless you include the rest of the series. Very clever movie, but many weak spots and bad acting. But I will admit that I was into this series for a while. But one day I opened my eyes, and said "What the fcuk No Saw movie can be a Saw movie unless you include the rest of the series. Very clever movie, but many weak spots and bad acting. But I will admit that I was into this series for a while. But one day I opened my eyes, and said "What the fcuk am I doing??" Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
DWNov 17, 2009
A decent horror movie apart from... A plot that makes wicker baskets look water-tight, swiss cheese smooth, and rain during Monsoon unexpected. Shame, because it has some clever elements to it.
1 of 4 users found this helpful
5
deadrisingNov 27, 2013
Now, before you read this, keep in mind I've seen all of the saw movies, and I'm a fan of the series. Now, onto the review: This movie was horrible. I know it's the first out of the seven movies, and it's explaining everything, but are youNow, before you read this, keep in mind I've seen all of the saw movies, and I'm a fan of the series. Now, onto the review: This movie was horrible. I know it's the first out of the seven movies, and it's explaining everything, but are you kidding me... no... just no.... boring, and useless. Some of the movie was okay, but no... like, maybe twenty percent was okay, but the other eighty percent big no. Expand
1 of 10 users found this helpful19
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5
FilmVirtueFeb 15, 2014
A decent , effective, bloody explosion. This mystery horror film is strong in violence and brutal content that makes it two bloody thumbs up. Gruesome and twisted, "Saw" is scary as hell.
1 of 7 users found this helpful16
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5
McgillacuddyMay 19, 2016
The strength of this film comes from it's twisting plot, but is hardly anything more than another horror flick with the usual features: insane bloody gore and bad acting.
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5
Fire_CharizardApr 21, 2018
The first in a series of awesome movies, currently at 8 now. I found it a bit tame compared to the later instalments. Good way to start the film and introduce the characters. But for rewatching it, it’s a easy middle of the road score for me.
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5
DovahKJul 2, 2018
Ha envejecido medianamente bien, pero no me ha dejado con ganas de más, creo que la saga Saw para mí se acaba con esta.
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4
JackOct 30, 2005
Interesting premise, but could have been much better had it not been spoiled by horrible acting and numerous stupid plot twists.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
JunoO.Nov 2, 2006
Despite appearances from some high noted actors (Danny Glover, Cary Elwes) and some well placed blood and splatter for gore-hounds, Saw falters in the field of a coherent script, typical numetal-esque guitar riff soundtrack, and simple lapse Despite appearances from some high noted actors (Danny Glover, Cary Elwes) and some well placed blood and splatter for gore-hounds, Saw falters in the field of a coherent script, typical numetal-esque guitar riff soundtrack, and simple lapse in reason which will leave viewers shaking their head. Not to mention the "twist-ending" that doesn't really change anything really per-say throughout the film. I don't mind watching silly horror films and enjoying them, but films with a wee bit of logic for what's going on helps! Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
ApocalypseBrownFeb 22, 2007
I really hate unintelligent horror flicks and this is a prime example of one. To be honest the story is quite engaging, despite the lacking element of surprise and real tension. But the conclusion is Sunday market standard and by then, you I really hate unintelligent horror flicks and this is a prime example of one. To be honest the story is quite engaging, despite the lacking element of surprise and real tension. But the conclusion is Sunday market standard and by then, you are passed caring. Sixth Sense it ain't! Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
AginagalaNov 13, 2017
The Saw films were interesting and when this original film came out, It was reasonably good. The new movie directors and their take on gore, the new and uncensored version of a film. It's like the directors were unafraid to shy away from theThe Saw films were interesting and when this original film came out, It was reasonably good. The new movie directors and their take on gore, the new and uncensored version of a film. It's like the directors were unafraid to shy away from the gore, however they did appear to shy away from an actual interesting story, and the film has more turned into "Yes, I watched that, and got through it". It's gore scenes are new and believable accompanied by reasonably good acting makes the death scenes have a certain impact. Overall I'd say watch this with a few friends as a bit of fun but if you're looking for an interesting story with a bit of gore, this isn't where you want to be. Expand
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4
Hugi09Aug 16, 2019
Et bah c’est pas terrible !!!! Les idées sont bonnes mais mal exploitées !!
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3
ChrisGJan 8, 2009
After years of ignoring this series due to it being a poorly reviewed horror series I was finally persuaded by a friend to check it out. I found it to be a disgusting exercise in torture porn with a somewhat original premises. None of the After years of ignoring this series due to it being a poorly reviewed horror series I was finally persuaded by a friend to check it out. I found it to be a disgusting exercise in torture porn with a somewhat original premises. None of the performances are special, and there isn't much in the way of thrills. The story is a mess. There is a market for this stuff I guess, and it's definitely not me. Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful
3
ThomL.Oct 29, 2005
If you haven't seen the movie, and have read previous comments like the one linking this film on the same level as fight club, and then watch the film with that comment in mind, you will be bitterly dissapionted, it was bollocks.
0 of 2 users found this helpful
3
MovieMasterEddyApr 7, 2016
A crude concoction sewn together from the severed parts of prior horror/serial killer pics, “SAW” marks a noisy, nasty feature debut for Aussie helmer James Wan and scenarist-thesp Leigh Whannell.

Middle-aged Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes) and
A crude concoction sewn together from the severed parts of prior horror/serial killer pics, “SAW” marks a noisy, nasty feature debut for Aussie helmer James Wan and scenarist-thesp Leigh Whannell.

Middle-aged Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes) and young malcontent Adam (Whannell) wake up at opposite ends of a decrepit basement bathroom, ankle-chained to girders, with no idea how they got there — and a corpse on the floor between them. Discovery of an audio cassette explains the doc must snuff Adam within the next few hours, or their unseen captor will murder Gordon’s wife (Monica Potter) and child.

Meanwhile, two police dicks (Danny Glover, Ken Leung) are on the trail of the mysterious “Jigsaw Killer,” whose prior victims were similarly abducted, then left alone to complete gruesome tasks by deadline. A single, traumatized exception aside, they all failed — and met with grotesquely customized “Seven”-style deaths. Ill-matched two current prisoners wrack their brains and bruise their bodies trying to avoid the same fate.

Convoluted screenplay deploys flashbacks within flashbacks, myriad red herrings, false scares and gross-out real ones. But sum effect is less ingenious than desperate, and wholly derivative. Too hyperbolic to be genuinely disturbing, pic nonetheless crosses a line of anything-goes shamelessness by dwelling on the screaming terror of Gordon’s preschool daughter (Makenzie Vega) as she and mom are bound, gagged and handgun-caressed by a masked villain.

Elsewhere, there are cheaply effective if unoriginal scares. Filmmakers bring a certain verve to such moments; but building atmosphere and suspense is well beyond them. Ditto handling actors: Left to their own devices amid escalating levels of narrative hysteria, Elwes, Whannell and Potter eventually grow ridiculous. It’s depressing to ponder just what Glover — one of our finest actors — is doing with a routine support part in this slick schlock. One can only hope he was very well paid for the indignity.

Tech aspects are pro; loud soundtrack is equivalent of an incessant “Boo!” goosing.
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2
MichaelE.Feb 23, 2007
Hilariously bad, dull, and almost completely un-disturbing, un-thrilling, and un-scary. Very predictable and even the promised bloon n' gore is underwhelming. About the only thing to be said about it is that it's better than the sequels.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
2
tonyb.Oct 21, 2005
I did not find this movie to be the that good. the acting was horrible the twist wasnt even that great or big i dont see why everyones so blown away by it and i have a feeling that the second one is going to be even worse then this piece of I did not find this movie to be the that good. the acting was horrible the twist wasnt even that great or big i dont see why everyones so blown away by it and i have a feeling that the second one is going to be even worse then this piece of junk. i havent seen a good horror movie since the sixth sense that was a good horror movie with a good twist nothing worth seeing here not even the twist but i will give it a 2 because i think it had a good concept wish they just did more with it, it could have been a great movie. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
2
DelFeb 16, 2007
Great ideas, good story, lame actors. Could have been more if the cast could act. Watch it if you're a fan of "funny" horror movies.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
2
drlowdonFeb 19, 2014
These sorts of ultra gory horror movies seem to have an audience (as evidenced by the multiple sequels to in this Saw franchise) but I've never been a fan. Partly this is because these types of movies aren't particularly scary but mainly itThese sorts of ultra gory horror movies seem to have an audience (as evidenced by the multiple sequels to in this Saw franchise) but I've never been a fan. Partly this is because these types of movies aren't particularly scary but mainly it is the fact that watching people get killed in increasingly brutal and graphic ways isn't my idea of entertainment.

I've often been told that Saw is one of the better examples in the genre but since I couldn't stomach any more than about twenty minutes I wouldn't know.
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1 of 6 users found this helpful15
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2
Freakazoid1Nov 15, 2012
This movie just proves that there are no decent horror movies out there. Like all the other horror movies, this movie isn't even scary. It's just a bloody, profane gorefest. Horror movies were meant to scare, but only The Exorcist has managedThis movie just proves that there are no decent horror movies out there. Like all the other horror movies, this movie isn't even scary. It's just a bloody, profane gorefest. Horror movies were meant to scare, but only The Exorcist has managed to give great scares. Expand
2 of 8 users found this helpful26
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2
EpicLadySpongeApr 1, 2016
So if I'd love to see body parts getting severed on these posters and then they try to scare us by using already-used scary clichés, then Saw failed big time. Wow, that was so scary.
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1
[Anonymous]Oct 20, 2006
Stupid. Pointless, Dull, Boring. Nothing to marvel here.
1 of 3 users found this helpful
1
JohnFJan 3, 2008
A depressingly predictable movie that will only appeal to those who like to see people being tortured. There really is nothing else to the movie.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
1
GnarlesJan 10, 2006
The acting and writing in this movie aren't bad. They are hanging-your-mouth-open-in-wonder bad.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
1
ElVidalF.Oct 28, 2009
Gross, stupid, sadistic, dumb, boring, sick, disgusting. It truly deserves at least a "36".
0 of 1 users found this helpful
1
DonnaS.Jul 21, 2006
I looked forward to watching this movie after hearing the positive feedback from friends. However, I came to my own realization that this movie was just a seriously overrated, over-hyped movie that didn't deserve any good reviews. It is I looked forward to watching this movie after hearing the positive feedback from friends. However, I came to my own realization that this movie was just a seriously overrated, over-hyped movie that didn't deserve any good reviews. It is devoid of horror and puts actors such as Cary Elwes and Danny Glover in a bad light. I am so glad I waited until this movie came out on cable before I watched it. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
1
oliver1hJan 28, 2013
I do not like these kind of movies. Sadictic... If you like torture scenes you might have serious mental problems.............................................................................
4 of 15 users found this helpful411
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0
KevinB.Jul 21, 2006
uh...first of all...this isnt a horror film...its a snuff film...its not scarey, it just nasty...bad acting and stupid plot...as most snuff films have. However, if all you want to see is people getting killed, go to a search engine and type uh...first of all...this isnt a horror film...its a snuff film...its not scarey, it just nasty...bad acting and stupid plot...as most snuff films have. However, if all you want to see is people getting killed, go to a search engine and type :"Snuff Films". Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful
0
RossW.Apr 13, 2007
This movie isn't entertaining in the slightest, it is over-hyped and sick. Any level headed person will find this film disgusting and very unenjoyable
1 of 2 users found this helpful
0
ChairmanS.Nov 2, 2005
Horrible movie. Some of the worst acting and dialogue I've seen in any movie ever. I suppose you might enjoy it if you don't care about that stuff.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
0
FurbydudeDec 14, 2007
SAW was excruciatingly boring. you may go ahead and watch the whole film... if you want to waste 2 hours of your whole life that you may never get back.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
0
zachOct 19, 2009
Stupid pointless and sickening eben though all th Saw movies have awesome endings.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
0
NFWJun 25, 2015
I fail see how anybody with an IQ above that of a 9th grader's could find this turkey intelligent. All the film is just one big contradiction after another.
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