SAW 3D

(2010)***

As with its predecessors the latest SAW film involves a series of torture traps masquerading as cautionary tales against unethical behavior and selfishness. In this installment we are introduced to Bobby Dagen, a motivational speaker and the author of a popular book about surviving one of Jigsaw’s famous “games”. Although his book has brought him much fame and fortune, Bobby harbors a secret; he was never in one of Jigsaw’s games. This does not sit well with rogue cop Hoffman, who has taken up the mantle of Jigsaw’s cause (over the past few films). Bobby is soon kidnapped and is informed that he must survive a series of difficult challenges in order to save his wife. Along the way he learns life lessons and becomes a little wiser.



I am not a SAW apologist. I know people either love or loathe this film series so I’m going on record emphatically stating, I dig these films! If you like one SAW film you generally like them all. If you’re repulsed by the very idea of them than SAW 3D is unlikely to sway your opinion. Taken together the 7 clever films comprise of one continuous, sometimes confusing story that pits bad people against lethal, time-limited challenges (traps). The traps are just as fun as always, although I feel like some of them would be impossible to beat - I don’t think Jigsaw always plays fair. The motivations of Jigsaw’s minions don’t really matter at this point as the real treat is to see people attempt to beat Jigsaw’s twisted challenges. SAW 3D offers nothing new beyond an additional dimension, but if you enjoy these films for what they are you will have a fun time with this installment.


What would it cost to rent this place out?

A while ago we had a fun discussion about the “madman’s lair” - specifically that it would be virtually impossible to create places like Jigsaw’s torture chambers without considerable money and scores of people who are experts in the areas of physics, chemistry, carpentry, plumbing, electricity, etc. Whenever I watch one of these films I find myself pondering what it would realistically cost to create any one of Jigsaw’s traps. Unless you are a billionaire, who ignores zoning laws and safety codes, and has a team of scientists working around the clock for years, it is unlikely that you could set up the elaborate “tests” seen throughout the SAW films. I know, I know, “Shut up JPX, they are just silly movies!” I can’t help it, I think about this stuff.