While the story for this one is a little different than the previous three, Saw 4 manages to continue fleshing out the backstory of these characters and refuses to let the series die.
Now you might think that since everybody died at the end of Saw 3, that was it. Tsk, tsk. Being the genious that he is, Jigsaw has planned for every possible situation. During his autopsy, another of those mysterious microcassette tapes is found in Jigsaw’s stomach. It seems that there is another officer that is being “tested” and the work is indeed continuing.
As I said, the backstory of the killer is filled out even more as we hear from his ex-wife. We learn the original source of his hatred for people’s unappreciation of life. There are good things and some not so good things here. On the bad side, the plot line of the new officer’s trip to redemtion plays out very similarly to that of Saw 3. He meets several people who are going through their own trials and it is up to him to decide weather to help them or let them attempt to help themselves. Also, the story is more complicated than before and brings back a couple people from the previous films. If you don’t remember them or don’t do your homework it can get a little confusing. Lastly, the death traps this time around are even more creative and greusome than ever! You get the feeling that the filmmakers are simply trying to up the cringe-factor as much as possible.
The good news is that if you loved this part of the last films than you will find more of the same here. I enjoyed learning more of the history and it seems that what few loose ends were left are tied up completely here. However, the end of the film most definately leaves room for additional Saw movies. If they ever decide to make Saw 5, they will have a clean slate.
So, if you’re up for another round of frantic, high tension brutality you can see a matinee or rent the DVD. If you’re over the whole thing than you can skip it without losing any sleep. I liked it but none of the subsequent Saws are able to capture the same thrill as the original.
